o 



1 



A 



I) 



0' 



HISTORY 



JEFFEKSON COLLEGE: 



INCLUDING AN ACCOUNT OP THE 



EARLY "LOG-CABIN" SCHOOLS, 



AND THE 



CANONSBURG ACADEMY: 



WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF 



Iev. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D., Rev. SAMUEL RALSTON, D.D., 
Rev. MATTHEW HENDERSON, Rev. JAMES RAM- 
SEY, D. D., Rev. JOHN II. KENNEDY, and 
Rev. ABR'M. ANDERSON, D. D. 



BY JOSEPH SMITH, D. D 

Author of " Old Redstone." 



PITTSBURGH: 
PUBLISHED AND PRINTED BY J. T. SHRYOCK, 

GAZETTE BUILDING, FIFTH STREET. 

1857. 



1o°\ [ 



a 
,0 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, bj 

J. T. SHRYOCK, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the 
Western District of Pennsylvania. 



STEREOTYPED BY W. S. HAVEN, PITTSBURGH, PA. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTIO N — L OG-CABIN SCHOOLS. 

Page. 
Character of First Western Ministers — When and by whom " Log-Cabin" Schools 
begun — Mr. Dodd's School on Ten Mile and in Washington — Mr. Smith's School 
at Buffalo — Dr. M'Millan's School at Chartiers 5 

CHAPTER II. 

THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 

By whom the Academy founded — David Johnston, first teacher — Dr. M'Millan's 
position at first — His " Log-Cabin" School merged into Academy — Movement of 
Synod of Virginia — Redstone Presbytery selected Caoonsburg — Interesting 
ceremony of opening Academy — Persons engaged in it — First student, Robert 
Patterson ; sketch of his life and character — Notice in Pittsburgh Gazette — Con- 
tributions for Academy — Specimen of their character — Charter in 1794 — First 
Trustees — Petition to Legislature in 1796 — Teachers, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Samuel 
Miller, Mr. Mountain and Mr. Stockton — Action of Presbyteries — Literary Soci- 
eties — Contests — Secret affiliated Societies 17 

CHAPTER III. 

THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 

Trustees and Officers — Another Petition to Legislature — Judge Edgar — Presbytery 
of Redstone — Old Mr. Patterson's account of Academy in 1798 — Rules and Reg- 
ulations — Colonel Canon's death and character — Legislative aid — New Move- 
ment to get College Charter — Act of Trustees, about conditions of preaching in 
Academy — Members added to the Societies — Change of Constitution in 1798 — 
Names of Trustees — Charter of Jefferson College, in 1802' — Why called after Mr. 
Jefferson — Good reasons for the name — New Trustees — New rules — Mr. Watson, 
first President ; his death and character — Mr. Dunlap elected President ; his 
character 45 

CHAPTER IV. 

'.HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 

Graduates of 1804 — Ross' Latin Grammar — Account of Ross — Book-case for the 
Societies; reminiscences about it — Graduates of 1805 and 1800 — Presbyterian 
and Associate Presbyteries successfully appealed to for aid — Gen. Hamilton's 
success at Congress — Injunction of the Board upon Drs. M'Millan and Dunlap— 
Graduates of 1808 — First communication from Board of Washington College; 
result — Dr. Balston chosen President of Board — Dr. Murdock's report about 
conference with Washington Committee — Graduates of 1809 — State of Finances 
— -Death and character of Judge M'Doivell — Trustees' rule for order of procession 
at commencement— Description of an " Exhibition," or College Commencement, 
in " old timas." 69 



iv CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." Page, 

Dr. Dunlap and the Board— Graduates of 1810— Dr. Dunlap resigns— Graduates 
of 1811 and 1812— Dr. Wylie elected Principal— About Ezekiel Hannah's will- 
Graduates of 1813, 1814 and 1815— New negotiations with the Board of Wash- 
ington College — Various conferences — Final failure in attempt to unite the col- 
leges — Much sharp shooting, on both sides, but none killed, and few wounded — 
Reflections on the whole case — Rev. R. Johnston, a trustee for seventeen years — 
Sketch of his life— Dr. Wylie resigns— Dr. Wm. M'Millan succeeds him— Dr. 
Matthew Brown— Remarkable circumstances connected with his election 86 

CHAPTER VI. 

DR. M. BROWN'S presidency. 
A new era in tho state and prospects of Jefferson College — Dr. Brown's extraordi- 
nary character and qualifications — Connection of Jefferson College with Jeffer- 
son Medical College in Philadelphia — Jacob Oreen, Esq. — Literary Societies in 
difficulties — Theological Seminary of tho Associate Presbyterian Church estab- 
lished at Canonsburg— New College buildirg in 1S29-32 — Crisis in the life of 
Dr. M'Millan; Death of his old friends, Prof. Miller and C. Ritchie, Esq. ; their 
lives and character — Agricultural labor provided for students by a College farm ; 
its ultimate failure; reflections about it — Recent movement by Synod of Pitts- 
burgh for Ecclesiastical supervision — Its failure ; reasons — Aids to bo sought in 
investigating that whole subject — General conclusion of the whole history, Ill 

CHAPTER VII. 

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LITERARY SOCIETIES OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

History of Philo Literary Society 139 

History of Franklin Literary Society 154 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Biographical sketch of the late Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D 180 

Biographical sketch of the Rev. Samuel Ralston, D. D 192 

Biographical sketch of the Rev. Matthew Henderson 234 

Biographical sketch of the Rev. James Ramsey, D. D 252 

Biographical sketch of the Rev. Abraham Anderson,D. D 283 

Memoir of the late Rev. John H. Kennedy, A. M 353 

APPENDIX. 

The origin of Jefferson College 373 

Dr. M'Millan's Manuscript 413 

Importance of Colleges and of Classical Education — Early history of Collegiate 
Institutions 418 



HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE, 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTION — -LOG-CABIN SCHOOLS, 

Character of First Western Ministers — When and by whom " Log Cabin " 
Schools begun — Mr. Dod's School on Ten-mile and in Washington — Mr. 
Smith's School at Buffalo— 'Dr. M'Millan's School at Chartiors. 

The early history of most nations, ancient or modern, is 
obscured and deformed by incredible traditions and monstrous 
legends. The laborious researches of Niebuhr, Arnold, and 
others, have contributed much to separate the precious from 
the vile, and to ascertain, with some precision, where true 
history begins. The American people have this great advan- 
tage, in regard to the story of their rise and progress, that no 
fabulous period belongs to the outset of their history. This 
is especially true in respect to that portion of them who first 
sought homes and formed settlements in the eastern part of 
the Valley of the Mississippi. Though much obscurity rests 
upon the unimportant details of the first years of trial and 
sorrow, through which those who succeeded the hunters, trap- 
pers and Indians traders of Western Pennsylvania, were com- 
pelled to pass, the prominent features of the men of those 
times, and of the measures they pursued for elevating their 
physical, intellectual and moral condition, are now well 
ascertained, and rest on no uncertain tradition. The Scotch- \J 
Irish emigrants, who began to pour out on the Western 
frontier, a little before the last quarter of the 18th century, 
1* (5) 



6 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

and to form settlements through Western Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, were a remarkable race. They brought with them 
a deeply cherished love for the Mouse of God and the School 
House. The ministers of the gospel of the Presbyterian 
Church, and of the Associate, or Secession body, were well 
educated men, most of them graduates of the college of New 
Jersey ; and devoted their untiring efforts to organize and 
build up churches in the new settlements. They also co-op- 
erated with their people in organizing schools ; and in most 
cases took them under their own care, becoming teachers 
themselves, or providing adequate instructors. This may 
have been, possibly, in some instances, with a view, in part, 
to eke out a scanty support. But we have no doubt that 
this part of their labors, was in a measure forced upon them. 
Their poor people, living in log-cabins, and surrounded by 
constant harassings and perils from their savage foes, and 
doomed to very exhausting toils, in order to support their 
growing families, threw this responsible work on the hands 
of their ministers. Yet they, without exception, were com- 
pelled to work too, and to work hard, on their little patches 
of cleared land. There was not one of them, who did not 
become familiar with the axe and the maul, the plow and 
the hoe. Almost coeval with the period of their settlement 
west of the mountains, these ministers got up schools near 
their dwellings. As such dwellings would be generally as 
near the centre of their congregations as practicable, this 
location of the school houses would be most convenient to 
their people. Such a school was probably first established 
by Dr. M'Millan, near his own house, about two miles east 
of the present location of Canonsburg. Another was 
formed by the Rev. Thaddeus Dod, who settled on Ten-mile, 
in the southern part of Washington county, in the fall of 
1779. Mr. Dod's school was begun as early as 1782 or 
1783, — as we shall presently see. That Dr. M'Millan's 
school, in its earliest form, preceded Mr, Dod's, seems highly 



INTRODUCTION — LOO CABIN SCHOOLS. 7 

probable, both from general tradition,* and from bis language 
in a letter to Dr. Carnaban, dated March 26th, 1832, which 
we shall presently quote. This remarkable man, whose whole 
subsequent life was intimately associated with the cause of 
education, and with the history of Jefferson College, came 
out and settled in Western Pennsylvania, in November, 1778, 
though his first visit and labors as a minister of the gospel 
in the West, date back to 1775. This school, under the imme- 
diate care of Dr. M'Millan, seems to have been for the first few 
years, simply the English school of the neighborhood, with 
occasionally some Latin scholars. About the time of its 
organization, or soon after, the services of James Ross, Esq., 
were secured, who taught the general branches of English 
education, boarded with Dr. M'Millan, and pursued or com- 
pleted his own classical studies, under the tuition of the 
Doctor, in compensation for his services in the school. This 
statement, we are aware, disturbs a current tradition, but is 
supported by the testimony of a letter of Dr. Carnaban, 
Ex-President of Princeton College, now before us.f 

That Dr. M'Millan had in view the ultimate development 
of this school into the more distinctive form of a Latin scJwol 
for young men having the gospel ministry in view, there is 
no reason to doubt. But that it possessed this form from 

* " That Dr. M'Millan had a school at his own house, soon after ho wont 
to Western Pennsylvania is undoubtedly true. This corresponds with tho 
tradition I heard." — Letter from Dr. Carnahan. 

■f "We give the following extract from a letter of the Rov. Dr. James 
Carnahan, to the Rev. Dr. Charles Hodge — dated, "Princeton, N. J., 
May 13th, 1851. " " The tradition I heard was, that Ross taught the 
English school; and that Dr. M'Millan taught him Latin, Greek, and 
Mathomatics. Mr. Ross was undoubtedly a man of uncommon talents, 
an able lawyer, and of high standing as a Senator of the United States. 
But I never heard him spoken of as a distinguished Latin and Greek 
scholar. Judge Addison and Judge Brackenridge, of Pittsburgh, wore always 
spoken of as first rate classical scholars. But this was not the reputation of 
Mr. Ross." 



8 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

the beginning, seems highly improbable. The harassed and 
troubled state of the country, for the first four or five years 
after the Doctor's settlement at Chartiers, renders it very 
unlikely that materials could be found for getting up this 
department at his school. But we have stated at large, in 
" Old Bedstone," our reasons for questioning the accuracy 
of the tradition which has assigned to him the honor of open- 
ing the first Latin school in the West, the substance of 
which may be seen in the note below. * 

But though we question the early date of Dr. M'Millan's 
school as a Latin school, it seems almost certain to us that 
he made the^rs^ movement in the cause of education. And 
again, his school became what the Doctor had, perhaps, 
always contemplated from the beginning — a classical school ; 
and it was the sole classical school, west of the Monongahela 
river, for young men preparing for the gospel ministry, after 
others of a similar character were discontinued. This school 
was the immediate predecessor of the Academy at Canons- 
burg, which was founded in 1791. But the manner in 
which the one preceded the other, and was merged into it, 
we shall see hereafter. In the meantime, soon after Dr. 
M'Millan's school commenced, in its primal form, Mr. Dod 
opened his school at Ten-mile. His son has recently given, 

* The records of the Prosbytery of Redstone show that there wero no 
licentiates under their care, who had receired their previous scholastic or 
theological training from Dr. M'Millan, till after 1785. Their first candi- 
dates, Mossrs. Hiujlies, Brice, Patterson and Porter, were first under the 
instruction of Messrs. Dod and Smith, from 1783 to 1786. Dr. M'Millan 
onumorates them among the first who were trained and brought into the 
ministry in the West. He montions nono before them. Tho Rev. Joseph 
Pattorson, who studied, with a few others, under tho direction of the Rev. 
Joseph Smith, at Buffalo, in 1785, was afterwards, along with some of these, 
at Dr. M'Millan's school ; and tho Doctor, in his lotter so Dr. Carnahan, 
writing of his first movomont to prepare young men for the ministry, men- 
tions these persons as forming the materials of his first Latin school. There 
are some other facts stated in " Old Redstone," pages 77 and 78, sorving to 
confirm the view thon taken. 



INTRODUCTION — LOG CABIN SCHOOLS. 9 

in the Presbyterian Magazine (for September, 1854), an inter- 
esting statement, which, though somewhat extended, will be 
read with interest. The following is the Rev. Dr. Cephas 
Dodd's account of his father's efforts in the cause of educa- 
tion: — "He (the Rev. Thaddeus Dod*) felt the importance of 
a better common school education, and, in order to promote 
it, visited the schools, and counseled the teachers as to the 
best manner of performing their duties. For the special pur- 
pose of educating young men for the gospel ministry, he had 
a building erected within a few steps of his own dwelling, in 
which he opened a classical and mathematical school, in the 
spring of 1782. The students present at that time were 
Messrs. James Hughes, John Brice, Daniel Linclley, Robert 
Marshall and Francis Dunlavy. These were all young men, 
and avowedly pursuing a course of education, preparatory to 
the ministry, excepting Mr. Dunlavy, whose intention, is not 
certainly known. He was a young man of superior talent, of 
amiable disposition, took an active part in social worship, and, 
it is thought, Mr. Dod and others felt some disappointment 
when he took a different course. He was afterwards a Judge 
in the State of Ohio. Daniel Lindley, in consequence of the 
failure of his health, was compelled to relinquish his under- 
taking. John Hanna, also having the ministry in view, came 
probably in 1783. The Rev. David Smith, young at that 
time, was also one of the students. Whether he came with 
the first, or at a later date, is not recollected. With what 
view his father sent him, we may easily imagine; and his 
hope was not disappointed. Another young lad, son of Col. 
James Marshal, entered the school about 1783. The Rev. 
Jacob Lindley, D. D., the early friend and companion of the 
writer, (and to whom he is indebted for much aid in calling 
to recollection and establishing these particulars), was also 
an inmate of the family, and though but from eight to ten 

* The Rev. T. Dod and Rev. C. Dodd. The son added a d to his name. 



10 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

or eleven years of age, was reading Latin, and we are assured 
that his father placed him there with the hope that he might, 
in due time, be prepared by divine grace to take part in the 
work of the ministry. It may also be noted that some 
three or four men were taught surveying. There is no 
reason to think that for any other purpose than that of edu- 
cating men for the ministry, the building would ever have 
been erected, or the school opened. After having been in 
operation three years and a half, it was closed in the fall of 
1785, either because Mr. D. had sold the farm on which he 
lived, and was about removing from it, or for other reasons. 
Doubtless after boarding such a number in the family, with 
the few conveniences of house-room, &c, they enjoyed, both 
he and Mrs. Dod needed a little rest. Here, then, on an 
exposed frontier, we find the first classical school in the 
West, and might claim for Mr. Dod the precedence in efforts 
to promote the cause of education for the ministry. Such 
claim, however, we do not make, though the above facts 
show that it cannot belong to any other. It is true that 
Mr. D. took upon him the labor of teaching, years before it 
was entered upon by any of his brethren ; but it was not his 
own private enterprise. He, with Messrs. Smith and 
M'Millan, felt deeply the need, both present and prospective, 
of a faithful and able ministry to supply the wants of our 
Western Zion. The harvest was great, and the laborers were 
few. When they met, it was often the subject of their con- 
versation, and instead of waiting for ministers to come from 
abroad, they wisely resolved to endeavor to raise them up in 
their midst. Who can say which of them first proposed or 
acted on this plan ? They sought for young men of piety 
and talents who would be willing to devote themselves to the 
work, and undertook to prepare them by a thorough educa- 
tion. One was found at Ten-mile, two at Buffalo, and some 
in other places ; and Mr. Dod was first employed in teaching 
for reasons which it is not for us to assign. Each of the 






INTRODUCTION — LOO CABIN SCHOOLS. 11 

above named ministers were employed more or less in teach- 
ing at his own house, but finding it inconvenient and inter- 
fering too much with their pastoral duties, their next move- 
ment was the getting up an Academy at Washington, for 
which a charter was granted September 24th, 1787, with a 
donation of five thousand acres of land. Without entering into 
any detail of argument to show that the aforesaid ministers 
were first to move in this matter, it may be sufficient to 
call attention to the names of the Trustees. They were the 
Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, Joseph Smith, Thaddeus Dod, 
John Clark, Matthew Henderson, (of the Associate Presby- 
tery,) and John Corbly, (Baptist.) Here were five Presby- 
terian ministers, being all who were west of the Monongahela 
river, and with them, seven or eight elders of Cross Creek 
Buffalo, Chartiers, &c. ; and on*e of them in an extreme part 
of what was then Washington, but now Green county. The 
other trustees were, with a few exceptions, in connection with 
the Presbyterian church. Two of them, (Judges Allison and 
M'Dowell,) who were elders of Chartiers, were at that time 
in the Legislature, and aided in obtaining the charter. The 
land appropriated by the State, lying north of the Ohio, 
would, of course, be unproductive for a long time. Neverthe- 
less, the trustees resolved to go forward. After some unsuc- 
cessful attempts to obtain a Principal, Mr. Dod was urgently 
solicited to take the place. He was unwilling to leave hia 
people, but, after some conference on the subject, informed 
them, that, provided the appointment were made but for one 
year, he might, for the sake of getting the institution into 
operation, think it his duty to accept; but, if for a longer 
term, he should reject it at once. The appointment was 
made accordingly, and after consulting his people, he signified 
his acceptance, and at the same time resigned the office of 
trustee. There being no available funds wherewith to erect 
a building, the upper rooms of the Court House were hired for 
the purpose, and the Institution went into operation, 1st of 



12 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

April, 1789. There were about twenty or thirty students, 
of whom five afterwards entered the ministry. While in 
Washington, Mr. Dod preached there one-third of his time 
and divided the remainder between the two places at Ten-mile. 
At the expiration of the time for which he had engaged, he 
was prevailed on to continue three months longer. Mr. 
Johnston, who had been teaching in the English department^ 
was appointed his successor. Some time in the next winter 
the Court House was burned; and there was no suitable 
building to be had in town. The Rev. Messrs. M'Millan 
and Henderson went together to Washington, and requested 
J. Hoge, Esq., who was the proprietor, and also trustee, to 
make a donation of a lot on which to erect a building. Dis- 
couraged by his refusal, they went and asked the same of 
Col. Canon, of Canonsburg, who not only gave the ground, 
but otherwise contributed liberally to the cause. An Acad- 
emy was erected at Canonsburg. Mr. Johnston was made 
its principal; and Washington Academy suspended operations 
for a number of years. Dr. M'Millan was one of the principal 
agents in getting up the Academy at Washington, was one of 
a committee to solicit subscriptions for its support, and con- 
tinued his patronage till, by the circumstance above related, 
he was induced to abandon it; after which he became the 
most efficient supporter of the institution at Canonsburg. 
He does not seem, however, to have considered the latter as 
growing out of his Latin school, for we find he wrote to Dr. 
Carnahan : "I had still a few with me when the Academy 
was opened at Canonsburg, and finding that I could not 
teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately gave 
it up and sent them there." Such was the origin of the two 
literary Institutions in Western Pennsylvania. 

The Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo, W.-ishington county, 
who came out to the West in the year 1780, early distin- 
guished himself by his efforts to aid in preparing young men 
for the ministry. The following statement, given to the 



INTRODUCTION — LOG CABIN SCHOOLS. 13 

public, some years ago, in "Old Redstone," may not impro- 
perly be again introduced in this place, though we have 
cheerfully modified it, with the desire of bringing it into 
harmony with the foregoing account of Mr. Dod's school. 
Mr. Smith was anxious from the first, after he settled in the 
West, to look out for, and aid in preparing young men to 
preach the gospel. He was among the first who moved in 
this matter. The first school that was opened exclusively 
with a view to the training of young men for the sacred 
office, is believed to have been begun by Mr. Smith, at Upper 
Buffalo, as early, at least, as 1785. The Rev. Joseph Patter- 
son says, in a note, on a small package of letters, written 
principally to his wife, found among his papers after his 
death : "In the fall of 1785, being thirty -three years old, it 
was thought best, with the advice of the Presbytery of Red- 
stone, that I should endeavor to prepare for the gospel 
ministry. There being no places of public education in this 
country, I, with a few others, studied with the Rev. Joseph 
i5mith, of Buffalo congregation, Washington county, Pa., 
being partially absent from my family," &c. 

The subject of opening such a school had pressed heavily 
on Mr. Smith's mind for some time. There was one difficulty 
in his way; he had no suitable house. But he had recently 
erected a house adjoining his dwelling house, to serve as a 
kitchen and outhouse. If his wife would be willing to sur- 
render that, for a while, and fall back on their former 
hampered domestic system, it could be done. He stated the 
case to her. She cordially acquiesced in the plan, and 
warmly seconded his views. Almost immediately this Latin 
school was begun. Messrs. M'Q-ready, Porter and Patterson 
began their course. Soon after, James Hughes and John 
Brice, who had already been with Mr. Dod, joined them. 
This school for the languages and sciences was continued 
some time; and then, by some mutual arrangement, was 
transferred and surrendered to the care of Dr. M'Millan, near 
2 



14 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Canonsburg. This we regard as the period when Dr. 
M'Millan's school took its more distinctive form as a Latin 
school; or rather, perhaps, was enlarged, so as to include a 
course of classical and scientific studies, as its more promi- 
nent feature. This view of the case harmonizes with Dr. 
M'Millan's statement to Dr, Carnahan, given in a previous 
note, and with a passage in a manuscript in his own hand- 
writing, where, speaking of the origin of his ministerial 
school, and not of the school in its previous state, he says : 
"Accordingly, I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, 
and instructed them in the knowledge of Latin, Greek, &c, 
viz : James Hughes, John Brice, James M'Gready, Samuel 
Porter, &c." These were a part of the materials with which 
he says his school began, and he mentions none that preceded 
them. Indeed this list corresponds with what he mentions 
about the second set of ministers in the West, and with the 
records of the Redstone Presbytery, that gave no account of 
any earlier licentiates. Now as all the persons that are here 
mentioned were either with Mr. Dod, or Mr. Smith, before 
they were under the instructions of Dr. M'Millan, it is thus 
ascertained that though Dr. M'Millan's school may have been 
first organized, as we believe it was, it did not assume the 
more distinctive form of a Latin school for training candi- 
dates for the ministry, until his colleagues had been for some 
time giving instructions with that view, and perhaps until 
they both ceased to teach their schools. The statement given 
to us, some years ago, by Mrs. Irwin, an aged, but very 
intelligent lady, then residing in Marysville, Ohio, since 
deceased, respecting Mr. Smith and his school, is too remark- 
able to be omitted here, though already published in "Old 
Redstone," p. 77. It is in substance, as follows — (and her 
pastor, the Rev. Mr. Smith, testified that it has been her 
unvaried statement for many years, and he has no doubt of 
her memory being perfectly good in this case,) — "That she 
was between twelve and fifteen years of age, living near Mr. 



INTRODUCTION — LOG CABIN SCHOOLS. 15 

Smith's, one of his spiritual children, took a great interest at 
the time in what Mr. Smith did in this matter, and all her 
life after familiarly remembered the following facts : that in 
1785, Mr. Smith opened a small school, for assisting and 
training young men for the gospel ministry; that Messrs. 
M'G-ready, Brice, Porter and Patterson began their course 
with him, Mr. James Hughes soon after joining them; that 
Mr. M'G-ready came from Dr. M'Millan's, with whom he had 
been living, not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm ; 
that five congregations, through the ladies, united in furnish- 
ing these students, (with the exception of Mr. M'G-ready,) 
with clothing, viz : Buffalo, Cross Creek, Chartiers, Bethel 
and Ten -mile; that they made up summer and winter 
clothing, for several of these young men (coloring linen for 
summer wear, in a dye, made of new-mown hay, and sending 
woolen cloth, by merchants, east of the mountains, to be 
failed and dressed, and brought back with them on their 
return,) that this was the first movement made for preparing 
young men for the ministry ; that there was no srech school, 
at this time, at Chartiers, nor until after the one at Buffaio 
was discontinued; that Mrs. M'Millan and the Chartiers 
ladies took their share in this effort to sustain this school at 
Buffalo, Mr. M'G-ready coming from Dr. M'Millan's to the 
school." This is very explicit testimony. If it conflicts 
with the account given of Mr. Dod's school, it may easily be 
supposed that she was not aware of what Mr. Dod had done, 
as his place of residence lay at some distance from Buffalo. 
It may be thought, indeed, that Mr. Smith's school was 
rather a divinity hall ; but the period at which the several 
persons Mrs. Irwin mentions, were licensed to preach the 
gospel — which was some years after — much longer than 
students for the ministry, in those days, studied theology — 
shows conclusively that preparatory studies were embraced in 
Mr. Smith's school. The interesting fact, brought to light 
by Mrs. Irwin's narrative, of the efforts of the ladies in those 
days, to assist in the cause of education, is a striking feature 



16 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of those early times. We are here reminded of the testimony 
borne by the Rev. Robert Patterson, in his letter to Dr. 
Brown, (to be hereafter referred to,) to the generous piety of 
the wives of the Rev. Messrs. Smith and M'Millan. "It 
should be here stated/' says Mr. Patterson, "that for want of 
suitable places elsewhere, the students generally lodged in 
the minister's family, without profit and sometimes at consid- 
erable expense to the household. In this service and toil, 
the wives of these two godly ministers heartily concurred. I 
knew them well; and they were both eminently mothers in 
Israel." 

We cannot learn that either the Rev. Matthew Henderson, 
or the Rev. John Clark, of Lebanon and Bethel churches, 
had any personal charge of a school. They doubtless lent 
their special attention in promoting good schools in their 
congregations. But no other schools than those of which we 
have now given some account, existed at that early period, in 
Washington county. We speak, of course, of those above the 
grade of common English schools. Having now related the 
first efforts made in the cause of education west of the moun- 
tains, we have cleared our way to an entrance upon the 
history of the first school at Canonsburg. 



Note. — A very able and elaborate paper, furnished to us by Prof. Robert 
Patterson, of Oakland College, Miss., in which the claims of Dr. M'Millan's 
" Log Cabin" school to priority as a Latin school are defended, will be 
found in the Appendix. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 

By whom the Academy founded — David Johnston, first teacher— Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's position at first — His " Log-cabin " school merged into Academy — 
Movement of Synod of Virginia — Redstone Presbytery solectod Canons- 
burg — Interesting ceremony of opening Academy — Persons ongagod in it 
—First student, R. Patterson ; sketch of his life and character — Notice in 
Pittsburgh Gazette — Contributions for Academy — Specimen of their char- 
acter — Charter in 1794 — First Trustees — Petition to Legislature in 1796 
— Teachers, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Samuel Millar, Mr. Mountain and Mr. 
Stockton — Action of Prosbyteries — Literary Societies — Contests — Secret 
affiliated Societies. 

The precise date of the first movement towards the forma- 
tion of a school at Canonsburg, above the grade of a common 
English school, cannot be ascertained. There were living in 
*nd near what afterwards became the village of Canonsburg, 
several respectable, public-spirited gentlemen, such as Col. 
John Canon, (on whose land the town was laid out and thence 
took its name,) Judge James Allison, Judge John M' Doioell, 
Alexander Cook, Esq., Messrs. James Foster, Thomas Brecker, 
Robert Ralston, and others; who, perhaps, some time before 
1789, held frequent conferences about getting up such a 
school. These gentlemen were then generally living in log 
cabins, and wore hunting shirts. Some of these conferences 
were very possibly held at log-rollings, house-raisings, or 
corn-huskings. The country was still comparatively a wil- 
derness. William Darby, Esq., whose memory was remark- 
ably tenacious as to dates, has stated in a letter which he 
wrote in 1850, that "through 1789 and 1790 the Academy 



18 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

was in operation." Through both these years the Indians 
were still giving much annoyance to the western settlements 
of Washington county. And these troubles reached their 
greatest height during the following year. But this future 
home of science and literature was even then begun. It was, 
of course, in its most embryo state. It is ascertained that 
during 1791, that eventful year of trial and sorrow in "West- 
ern Pennsylvania, the services of Mr. David Johnston, who 
had, during a part of that and of the previous year, taught at 
Washington, were secured. At this time Dr. M'Millan's 
school, in the celebrated Log-cabin, near his own house, two 
miles from Canonsburg, was still in operation. This school 
was continued for some time after the Canonsburg school was 
set on foot, under the patronage of some, if not all, of the 
persons named above. Dr. M'Millan was, up to this time, and 
for a year or two before, interested in behalf of the Academy 
at Washington, of which he was a trustee, along with Rev. 
Messrs. Henderson, Joseph Smith, and others; and was 
therefore committed to its interests. But he and others soon 
became discouraged in that enterprise. In an important paper 
found on the Records of the Trustees of Jefferson College, 
dated December 29, 1817, in the Doctor's own handwriting, 
it is stated as follows: "In the year 1787, the Legislature of 
this State granted a donation of lands, for the purpose of 
erecting and supporting an Academy in the town of Wash- 
ington. The Rev. Messrs. Matthew Henderson, Joseph 
Smith, John M'Millan, and others, used their influence and 
best endeavors to get this Academy into operation, for the 
purpose of promoting literature among the inhabitants of the 
Western counties in general; and also, with the fond hope 
that the loud calls and repeated demands for preachers of the 
of the gospel might be supplied from that institution. But 
so indifferent were the inhabitants of that town to the interests 
of literature in general, and to the demands of the church in 
particular, that, notwithstanding the State donation, an Acad- 



THE CANONSBTJUG ACADEMY. 19 

emy could not be supported. The Rev. Mr. Dod, and after 
hira Mr. David Johnston, made the attempt, by engaging as 
teachers; but were forced to give up the benevolent design, 
through the indifference and inattention of a majority of the 
trustees. When the hopes of Mr. M'Millan were blasted by 
the indifference and inattention of the trustees of the Academy 
at Washington, he turned his attention to Canonsburg, as a 
place of greater hope and more suited to his views. He solic- 
ited donations from private individuals for erecting an Acad- 
emy at that place, and succeeded. The Legislature granted 
a charter in 1794. A house was built; and a Latin and 
Greek school, which he had kept at his own house for the 
purpose of supplying the churches, as far as practicable, was 
translated to this infant Academy." We have given this 
extract, not to endorse some of the rather severe and caustic 
reflections on the trustees and people at Washington, but as a 
historical testimony, as to the period when Dr. M'Millan' s 
school coalesced with and was merged into the school at 
Canonsburg. That this latter school had a prior existence, in 
some humbler form, and was not merely an out-growth from 
the Log-cabin school, is proved, first, from Mr. Darby's 
statement, ("Old Redstone," page 193.) "I often passed 
there on week-days. Though the Academy was then estab- 
lished in Canonsburg, the school (at Dr. M'Millan's,) was 
still in operation, but when discontinued I cannot state." 
Secondly, from Dr. M'Millan's own language, in an original 
manuscript of the Doctor's in our possession : "I had still 
a few with me when the Academy was opened; but, finding 
that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I 
immediately gave it up and sent them there." Thirdly, from 
the Rev. R Patterson's statement this is also inferred. In a 
letter to the Rev. Dr. M. Brown, dated October 1, 1846, he 
states that a conference of ministers and citizens took place in 
July, 1791, to determine the locality of an institution on a 
more enlarged scale, commensurate with the growing demands 



20 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of the church and the country. The two points respectively 
advocated by Dr. M'Millan and Col. Canon, were the Log- 
cabin, near Dr. McMillan's, and the town of Canonsburg. 
Into which of the already existing schools should the other 
coalesce and be merged, with a view to a larger academy, 
was the question. It was decided in favor of Canonsburg; 
and the two schools were very soon, thus united. This is our 
view of the whole case. And the above stated facts and tes- 
timony are adduced in its support.* 

* It will be seen in the progress of our account, that, according to the 
Rev. R. Patterson's recollections, Professor Miller was then teaching and 
conducting this original school ; and that Mr. David Johnston, about the 
middle of the summer, was also engaged, not to supersede, as we suppose, 
Professor Miller, who taught the English branches and the mathematics, but 
to teach the classical department. Our view of the whole matter is, that 
there was, first, Mr. Miller's school, sustained by the gentlemen in and 
around Canonsburg — then this school, onlarged by the employment of Mr. 
Johnston, still, in fact,- under tho direction and control of these gentlemen. 
Messrs. M'Millan, Henderson, and Smith, at this time, when the school was 
enlarged, heartily co-operated with them in this movement, not officially as 
trustoos, nor as members of tho "Academy and Library Company," which 
was tho name they gave themselves about this time. Perhaps the relations 
of these three ministers to the Washington Academy were still such as to 
Fender a formal relation to tho " Company "improper; perhaps they rogardod 
tho whole enterprise as much hotter to be loft in the hands of those gentle- 
men, and more likely to succeed in finding favor with the Legislature of the 
State. But they lent their hearty agency in enlarging the foundations of 
tho school, and starling it on its new career. Dr. M'Millan may, at this time, 
have fully mado up his mind that it should suporsode and tako the place of 
tho "Log-cabin" school. And so it might have been understood by all 
parties concerned. But we think that in tho strict history of the case, there 
was here, soon after, a coalescence between the Institution already begun 
at Canonsburg, and now further enlarged, and the " Log-cabin " school — 
rather than as has often boon assorted, that "the Canonsburg Academy grow 
out of tho Log-cabin," and was simply an enlargement of it. That the 
merging of the "Log-cabin" school into tho Canonsburg Academy, and the 
activo co-operation of Dr. M'Millan and of tho Presbyteries and churches, 
gavo life and vigor to the Academy, cannot be doubted: and this will be 
made apparent in the progress of this history. Though there was no formal 
recognition of the facts above stated on the part of the "Academy and 




THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 21 

Another important event about this time occurred. The 
Synod of Virginia, October 1st, 1791, took measures to get 
up two institutions, one in the bounds of the Presbytery of 
Lexington, Virginia, and the other in the bounds of the 
Presbytery of Redstone, (then including all Western Penn- 
sylvania and Virginia,) for the purpose, especially, of aiding 
poor and pious young men in their preparation for the gospel 
ministry. For a full account of this matter, the reader is 
referred to the note below.* The latter institution was placed 
under the immediate care of the Presbytery of Redstone. 
And Dr. M'Millan was appointed by the Synod to take the 

Library Company," or their trustees, we have no doubt they well knew the 
Academy would have speedily gone down but for these main elements of its 
life. Why there was not a greater prominence given to these features of 
the case, it may now be difficult to say. Perhaps, as we have already 
intimated, it may have been thought wisor and more prudent. With such 
men as Col. Canon, Judge M'Dowell, Judge Allison, and others, some of 
them ruling elders; Messrs. Henderson, M'Millan and Smith, may have 
rightly thought the whole enterprise, in this way, would be perfectly safe 
and would succeed better. 

* Tho Synod of Virginia, at their session in Winchester, October 1, 1791, 
appointed a committee, of which the Rev. Joseph Smith was chairman, to form 
a plan for promoting the education of persons for the ministry of the gospel, 
and to bring in an overture on the subject. Upon the report of this commit- 
tee, the Synod having considered the same, and made such amendments and 
additions as were judged necessary, agreed to it — as follows: "As the sup- 
plying of churches with a pious and well qualified ministry is of acknow- 
ledged importance — overtured — 1st. That the Synod of Virginia undertako 
the patronage of a seminary of learning for the purpose of educating young 
men for the gospel ministry. 2d. That they devise means for supporting or 
assisting young men of piety and genius in procuring an education, who may 
not be possessed of sufficient property for the purpose. The ' Synod highly 
approve of the proposition contained in the overture, as they are well con- 
vinced of the necessity of extending the opportunities of acquiring knowledge, 
and especially the knowledge of the doctrines of roligion, to all who intend 
to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.' Taking this measure 
therefore into serious consideration, the Synod recommend that there be two 
general institutions for learning conducted under the patronage of this body; 
one to be established in Rockbridge county, Virginia, under the care of the 
Rev. William Graham, aa the president; the other in Washington county, 



22 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

management and direction of it. The Redstone Presbytery, 
a few weeks after the action of the Synod of Virginia, (Octo- 
ber 18, 1791,) having met at Pigeon Creek, approved of the 
recommendation of their Synod, and appointed Dr. M'Millan 
their treasurer, and "ordered their members to use their best 
endeavors to obtain contributions for the purpose and put 

Pennsylvania, under the care of the Rev. John M'Millan. The principles 
upon which these institutions are to be conducted are as follows : 

" 1st. The learned languages and usual circle of sciences shall be taught in 
them, to as many as shall bo sent there for instruction. 

"2d. During the course of academical education, and from the first initiation 
of the students into the seminaries, a course of religious instruction shall 
also be entered upon, and continually adhered to during their residence 
there, according to the principles of our church. Books of a practical and 
doctrinal nature shall be put into their hands at once. Catechetical lectures 
shall be established and examinations entered into, upon their progress in 
this kind of knowledge, from time to time. The attention to these studies 
shall be kept up during the whole of their academical course, and suited to 
the capacities and progress of the youth. 

" 3d. The Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover shall be the trustees of 
tho seminary in Rockbridge, to cherish it by their influence, and pointedly 
to f.ttend the examinations of tho students, either in a collective capacity, or 
by committees from their respective bodies, duly appointed. Tho Presby- 
tery of Redstone shall, in like manner, superintend the seminary in Wash- 
ington county. 

" 4th. In one or other of these institutions, it is the advice of the Synod, 
that all the youth within our bounds who intend to engage in the ministry of 
the gospel, shall be instructed. 

" 5th. As there are a number of pious youth in our country who might be 
servicable in preaching the gospel, but, through want of sufficient ability, 
are unable to obtain an education; it is the intention and desire of Synod 
that the ministers in their respective Presbyteries shall seek out such, and 
that they, being examined and approved by the Presbytery, shall bo placed 
in the respective seminaries, at the expense of the Presbytery who shall 
approve them. 

" 6th. In order to obtain the proper supplies for such indigent students, the 
Presbyteries are exhorted to use their influence, in their respective bounds, 
with the pious and benevolent, to make annual contributions for raising a 
fund for this purpose : this fund to be placed in the hands of the treasurers 
appointed by the Synod, who are to return annual accounts of receipts and 
expenditures ; and from it the youth, upon tho foundation, aro to draw their 



THE OANONSBURG ACADEMY. 23 

them into the hands of Dr. M'Millan as soon as possible, and 
of their diligence therein to render an account at the next 
spring meeting." 

No precise location, otherwise than Washington county, 
was determined by the Synod as to the Western Institution. 
The probability is, that the Synod, though leaving that mat- 
ter entirely open for the action of the Presbytery of Redstone, 
supposed, or took it for granted, so far as they knew the views 
of Messrs. Smith and M'Millan, and the course pursued by 
those brethren, that the location would be either Washington 
or Canonsburg, just according as these places and their vicini- 
ties might evince the more decided practical co-operation. 
These two remarkable men were the most prominent movers 
in the whole business at Synod. Mr. Smith was chairman of 
the committee who reported the whole paper on the subject. 
But they were both trustees of the Academy at Washington. 
Mr. Smith lived comparatively in the vicinity, and his con- 
gregation included some then living in or near Washington. 
But he, sharing with Dr. M'Millan in desponding feelings 
about the further prospects of Washington Academy, had 
united with Messrs. M'Millan, Henderson, and others, but a 
few months before, in a memorable transaction at Canons- 
burg, which we shall presently relate. But though he had 
aided in a movement to get up the Canonsburg Academy, as 
he was still a trustee at Washington, and he had not yet lost 
his interest in that place, or his hope of reviving that sus- 
pended school, it was, perhaps, his special desire that the 
Synod should leave the precise location of the Presbyterial 

supplies, by an order from their respective presidents. And those youth, 
upon their obtaining their education, at the expiration of one year, after 
being settled in some line of business, shall begin to refund to the treasury 
the expenses of their education, in such time and manner as the Presbytery 
may direct. 

" 7th. The rules of these seminaries and the mode of education therein, 
shall be submitted to the Presbyteries for their respective approbation." — 
" Old Redstone," pp. 423-5. 






24 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

school undetermined. He soon after finished his course by a 
triumphant death. Had he lived, it is hard to say, what 
his influence might have been in determining the place of the 
school, and in modifying its whole character. We have 
already seen that Dr. M'Millan lost his confidence in the 
institution at Washington. He considered it as dead. The 
Presbytery, perhaps, partook largely of his views and feel- 
ings. At their next three meetings, however, they took no 
decisive action on the subject. It was a time of unusual 
trouble, from the Indians. The country was in a state of 
great distraction. Perhaps, also, they thought it prudent to 
take time sufficient to enable them to determine wisely what 
they would do as to the manner and place of carrying out the 
recommendation of the Synod. At length, when they met at 
Pigeon Creek, October 18, 1792, the question of location, as 
to the institution intrusted to their care by the Synod, was 
fully considered, and the several places — Washington, the 
Log-cabin, and Canonsburg, were, perhaps, advocated by their 
respective friends, " The Presbytery unanimously agreed to 
appoint Canonsburg to be the seat of that instittition of learn- 
ing, zohich they are appointed by Synod to superintend ; and 
that all the young men, taken upon the fund for the support 
of poor and pious youth, shall be educated there." An 
attempt was made, subsequently, to get the Presbytery to 
reconsider their action. But it resulted only in a kind of 
compromise, by the adoption of the following resolution, viz : 
"That if it should appear, at a future day, most conducive to 
the good of the church, that another seminary of the like 
nature should be erected in our bounds, we will not oppose a 
division of the funds." This was at Rehoboth, April 18, 
1793. This determination of the Presbytery to make Canons- 
burg the seat of their institution, though it did not result in 
securing to the Presbytery any control over the Academy, or 
any right or power to sit, as a co-ordinate branch of the 
Board of Trustees, or to elect or even nominate any of the 



THE CANONSBURQ ACADEMY. 25 

trustees or teachers, was, nevertheless, so adjusted, or led to 
such arrangements with the trustees, as to answer, in their 
view, the design of the Synod, in fact, though not in form. 
There is, indeed, a singular minute in the records of the 
Board, for 1796, hereafte-r to he noticed, in which the Pres- 
bytery of Ohio is mentioned, as uniting with the trustees in 
agreeing to support two teachers of the languages. But other- 
wise, we have found not the faintest trace of anything like 
ecclesiastical supervision ever exercised over the Academy. 
Having given this account of the doings of the church, 
through her judicatures, in reference to our institution, we 
must now turn back a little. 

It appears that in July, 1791, it was settled, at a conference 
of citizens and ministers, numerously attended, that the incip- 
ient steps should be taken, for getting the Academy under 
way. Col. Canon made a donation of a lot for the erection of 
a suitable building. He undertook to put up, immediately, 
a large stone edifice, and have it prepared as soon as possible ; 
his expenses to be reimbursed afterwards, as the trustees 
might be able to provide. In the meantime, it was thought 
proper to open the Academy at once, on the ensuing day. 
The Rev. Robert Patterson's account of the proceedings of 
that day is so graphic and life-like, that we shall let him tell 
the story : 

" An appointment was made to meet the next day, Tues- 
day, 10 o'clock, A. M., in a small English school house, 
near Canon's mill, about half a mile from the village; and 
a general invitation was given to all friends of learning 
and of their country, to attend ; and then and there to see 
the Canonsburg Academy opened. Meantime, Mr. David 
Johnston, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who 
had, without success, been trying to open a Latin school in the 
town of Washington, was invited to attend, and take charge 
of the young Academy. At 10 o'clock, on Tuesday morning, 
many citizens were present on the ground, to witness j the 



26 IIISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

opening of the first academy on the west side of the Alle- 
gheny mountains. Of the inhabitants of the town and vicin- 
ity, there were present, Judges M'Dowell and Allison, Craig 
Ritchie, Esq., and Rev. Matthew Henderson, living at a few 
miles distance. Mr. Henderson was a Scotch seceder clergy- 
man, blessed with Scotch talents, Scotch education, Scotch 
theology, and Scotch piety ; his memory is still highly cher- 
ished, as a worthy cotemporary of Messrs. M'Millan and 
Smith. These three ministers, with Mr. Johnston and two 
pupils, William Riddle and Robert Patterson, who had recited 
a few lessons to Abraham Scott, took their position under the 
shade of some sassafras bushes, growing in a worm fence, neai 
the English school house, which could not be vacated for a 
short time. And here, under the pleasant shade of the green 
bushes, protected from the rays of a July sun, (corona pop- 
uli parva circumsta?ite,) the two pupils, with ' Cord rii (bllo- 
quia' in their hands, were just about to read ' Quid agis,' 
when Mr. M'Millan, addressing his two brethren, and the 
small assembly, remarked in substance, as follows: 'This 
is an important day in our history, affecting deeply the inter- 
ests of the church, and of the country in the West; affecting 
our own interests for time and for eternity, and the interests, 
it may be, of thousands and thousands yet unborn/ And, 
turning to Mr. Henderson, asked him to engage in prayer, 
seeking the blessings of God on the institution now to be 
opened. And I must say, the broad vernacular pronuncia- 
tion of the Scotch tongue never could bo more delightful and 
impressive than it was then ; while every thing proper to the 
occasion appeared to be remembered in prayer, by this good 
man. * The first lesson in the Academy was soon recited. 
Robert Patterson, '\ being the seDior, led, beginning the first 

* For a sketch of the Life oJ 

f The Rev. 
was born April 1 . 177 afterwards 

celebrated as one of the most obstinately contested fields of the Revolution. 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 27 

sentence as above, ' Quid agis. ' After a short lesson was 
recited, and before they were dismissed, Mr. M'Millan re- 
quested Mr. Smith to close the exercise with prayer. Mr. 
Smith, in conclusion, was as solemn and appropriate as Mr. 

Soon after his birth, his parents removed to Germantown, Pa., and the sub- 
ject of this sketch distinctly remembered the battle of Germantown, which 
occurred when he was in the fifth year of his age. After a brief residence 
in York county, on the farm of George Ross, father of the late Hon. James 

. hie parents emigrated to the West, and took up their residence in 
Washington county, in 1779. About this time tho attention of the Pioneers 
of our church was directed to the importance, not to say necessity, of train- 
ing up a ministry for tho Western churches from the West itself. In 1785, 
tho Rev. Joseph Patterson, father of tho deceased, commenced a course of 
theological study with the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo congregation, was 
li ansed in 1788, and soon afterwards became pastor of the churches of 
Racoon and Montour's Run. In the Spring of 1791, tho Rev. Robert Pat- 
terson commenced his studios at Canonsburg Aoademy, then just opened, 
ting the first lesson in that institution, which has since grown up into 

rson College. His interesting letter, given above, descriptive of the 

ing scene in the history of tho Academy, and its organization under the 
of the sassafras bushes in a fence corner, on the banks of Chartiers, has 

widely read. After prosecuting his studies for three years and a half 
at Canonsburg, Mr. Patterson, in tho Fall of 1794, entered tho senior class 
of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, whero he graduated in 
179"). On his way to Philadelphia, a journey then performed only on horse- 
back, he met the forces sent out by Government to quell the Whisky Insur- 

on. After his graduation, Mr. Patterson was engaged, for nearly five 
tutor in the University, and in the further prosecution of his classi- 
cal and mathematical course. He returned to his father's residence, at 
Racoon, in April, 1S00, and was licensed to preach in April, 1801, having 

led his theological studios with the Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, one year in 
Philadelphia, and one year afterwards with the Rev. Dr. M'Millan. In 

nst, 1801, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane, daughter of Col. John 
Canon, of Canonsburg; and in tho Fall of 1802, was installed pastor of tho 
gatipns of Upper and Lower Greenfield, in the bounds of the Presby- 
tery of Erie. In this pastoral charge, supplementing at the same time, a 

L< r ministerial support by tho working of a farm, ho continued four and 
a half years : when, in April, 1807, he accepted an invitation to take charge 
of the Academy at Pittsburgh, now the Western University of Pennsylvania. 
During the three years he presided over this institution, he numbered among 
bis pupils many who afterwards filled prominent public stations, and who 
often spoke in grateful terms of his caro and faithfulness as an instructor. 



28 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Henderson tad been in the beginning ; and the little assem- 
bly retired much gratified, and with high expectations, which 
have been abundantly realized. The English school was soon 
vacated, and served for a place of recitation till autumn, when 
Col. Canon had so far progressed with a fine large stone 
building, as to afford convenient accommodation, both to 
teachers and students. Mr. Miller, who had been the teacher 
in the English school, was retained, and employed as professor 

From 1810 to 1836, Mr. Patterson was engaged in the business of booksell- 
ing, and for a portion of the time in paper manufacturing, having been one 
of the proprietors of one of the first paper mills established in the West. 
His business operations carried on, more or less extensively, for more than a 
quarter of a century, and causing him to be widely known in this capacity, 
throughout the Western country many years ago, were attended with many 
changes and severe reverses. During the greater part of this time, Mr. Pat- 
terson was pastor of the Highlands congregation, in the Presbytery of Ohio. 
The people of this charge have often affectionately remembered his faithful 
ministrations through a long series of years, and the recollection of the rela- 
tionship he had sustained to them, with its many pleasing associations, was 
a theme of grateful acknowledgment, on his part, to the latest period of his 
life. In 1840, Mr. Patterson removed from Pittsburgh a few miles into the 
country. So long as the infirmities of increasing age would permit, he man- 
ifested his continued interest in the service of his Divine Master, by preach- 
ing or lecturing occasionally in tho congregation with which he worshiped. 
For many years the things unseen, and eternal, formed a prominent subject 
in almost every conversation in which he took part. Scarce an acquain- 
tance, or even an entire stranger, who, in passing his late residence, has over 
had with him the briefest interchange of friendly greeting, but could add his 
testimony to that of tho Rev. R. Lea, who, in conducting the religious exer- 
cises at his funeral, remarked that he did not remember a single conversa- 
tion with him for years, were the interview long or short, in which the subject 
of religion had not been introduced. But in his own home, his spirituality 
of character, and his heavenly mindedness, shone with their brightest lustre. 
On his death bed, he enjoyed great peace. His remarks and broken sen- 
tences showed that whilst affectionately regarding those around him, his 
thoughts were with that Saviour he was so soon to see. On Sabbath after- 
noon he lapsed into a state of almost lethargy, which continued with little 
interruption until Tuesday, Septombor 5, 1854, when, without a struggle or 
a sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus. Thus died that excellent man, who, when a 
boy, under the sassafras bushos, read the first lesson in Corderii, at the 
opening of Canonsburg Academy. 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 29 

in the mathematical sciences, and proved to be an instructor 
of the highest order, and continued to fill the place thirty or 
forty years; as long as he was able to discharge its duties. 
His memory is greatly cherished by hundreds, who were 
taught by him. In a short time, more students came from 
the region of country around than could have been generally 
expected, in a land that, a few years before, had been an 
Indian wilderness. On the roll, in a few weeks, were entered 
Abraham Scott, Robert Patterson, William Wylie, Thomas 
Swearengen, James Snodgrass, Ebenezer Henderson, James 
Duncan, James Allison, Joseph Doddridge, Darsey Pentecost, 
James Dunlavy, Daniel M'Lean, William Kerr, Philip Dodd- 
ridge, and Alexander Campbell. " * 

The institution was got up by an association of ministers 
and citizens. They called themselves " Contributors to the 
Academy and Library ; " and about the time above indicated, 
by previous appointment, they met, and chose by ballot, trus- 
tees. The charter, which they afterwards obtained, desig- 
nated them " The Academy and Library Company. " Their 
constitution required nine trustees, to be elected annually, 
by those who had contributed to the Academy and Library, 
and who were entitled to enjoy the benefits of the Library, 
agreeably to certain regulations. But of their earlier meet- 
ings, previous to the date of their charter, and of their mode 
of proceeding, nothing but tradition now remains. We do 
not know with certainty who were the nine first trustees. 
There can be little doubt, however, that they were nearly, if 
not quite, the same that we find in the recorded minutes in 
1796. f 

* Extract of a letter from Mr. Patterson to Dr. M. Brown, in 1845. 

f When the academy was fairly under way, and the new building finished 
and opened for instructions, the trustees inserted in the Pittsburgh Gazette, 
in 1792, the following notice : 

" The building for the Academy at Canonsburg is now finished, and the 
institution under good regulations. The Grammar School is taught by Mr. 

8* 



30 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

The contributions for the support of the Academy were 
gathered from the congregations of the Presbyterians and 
Seceders through the Western country. The ministers were, 
in many cases, very active in gathering these offerings from 
their people. They consisted not solely in money, but in 
produce and articles of every description. These offerings, 
(chiefly by promise or subscription,) were made by nearly all 
Presbyterian congregations in the West, for the purpose both 
of refunding Col. Canon the cost of the Academy, and of 
aiding in payment of teachers, besides occasionally with a 
view of raising means to support, in part, young men who 
were candidates for the gospel ministry. The history of the 
proceedings of one minister, the Rev. Joseph Patterson, will 
suffice for a sample of what was generally done in the con- 
gregations west of the mountains. It appears, by the dates 
of the payments made by him, sometimes to Mr. M'Millan, 

Johnston; and the English, Euclid's Elements of Geometry, Trigonometry, 
Plain and Spherical, with the lattcr's application to Astronomy; Naviga- 
ion, Surveying, Mensuration, Gauging, Dialing Conic Sections, Algebra., 
and Book-Keeping, by Mr. Miller; both well known for their attention and 
abilities. Boarding in the neighborhood to be had at good houses, at the 
low price of ten pounds, payable, principally, in produce. The situation is 
healthy, near the centre of Washington county; the fund raised by the 
Presbytery, and to be applied for the support of a certain number of scholars, 
annually, is directed by the Synod of the district to be appropriated to 
this Academy. It is hoped the public will regard with a favorable eyo this 
institution, and give it all tho encouragement that it may deserve. 

"Nov. 2,1792. 

" N. B. The printers in the different States will please insert the above 
in their newspapers. " 

This is truly an interesting paper, proving that science and literature were 
opening their stores, on the very outskirts of civilization, at a period when 
the savages of the forest had not yet ceased to prowl around the borders of 
western settlements, and even to cherish the hopo of repossessing Washing- 
ton county as a hunting ground. If thoy could have read and understood 
this advertisement, they must havo felt somewhat as Hanibal felt, when he 
found that the Romans were selling the lots on which his army was encamped 
at their gates. The above notice may be seen in the Lyceum, at Jeffarsoi) 
College. 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 31 

as treasurer, and sometimes to Col. Canon, that the cost of 
the Academy was not all refunded for several years — some of 
the receipts being as late as 1794-5. There are found among 
the papers of Mr. Patterson, two subscription rolls of differ- 
ent date, but containing in part the same names; the latest 
of the two being dated in June, 1794 ; the last also stating 
that it was for the purpose both of finishing the Academy, 
and for aid to poor and pious students. One of the papers 
has about one hundred and twenty names, and the other not 
quite one hundred. But little was paid at the time of sub- 
scribing ; and but little, at any time, in money ; great part 
in grain, wheat, rye ; and no small portion in linen ; the 
linen, chiefly by the ladies : some by widows, and some by 
wives and daughters of the men who had subscribed. The 
sums were in Pennsylvania currency; and a large portion of 
them did not exceed 8s. 9d. — 7s. 6d., and a few advanced to 
10s. and 15s., and still fewer to £1. The grain was delivered 
in mills, and then sold. The linen was sometimes delivered 
to the Treasurer, to be disposed of as he could, at Is. ljd-, 
per yard, or 25 cents. One subscription was to be paid in 
Whisky! All are reported on the papers to have been fully 
paid ; and the amount of both subscriptions reached nearly 
6350. 

The following subscription paper will be found very inter- 
esting : 

"June 9th, 1794. We, whose names are hereunto signed, 
desirous to forward the Academy building, at Canonsburg, 
do promise, for that purpose, to pay, or deliver into some 
mill, in the bounds of the Rev. Joseph Patterson's congrega- 
tion, the quantities of wheat or rye annexed to our names, 
and deliver the receipts thereof to said Patterson, on or before 
the end of this present year. " 

The following may be selected among the long list o f 
names found on this interesting paper : 



32 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

James Ewing, 5 bushels of wheat, at 2 shillings. 

William Manegan, 1 " " " « 

Robert Moor, 2 " " " " 

John Logan, 2 « " " " 

James Laird, 4 " " " " 

Samuel Riddle, (in money,) 7s. 6d. 

John M'Millan, cash, $1. 

Joseph Patterson, cash, $6. 

Mrs. Vallandingham, 6 yards of linen. 

Mrs. Elenor Thompson, 3 yards of linen. 

John Kelso, 4 bushels of wheat. 

John Thompson, 4 " " 

James M'Bride, 3 bushels of rye. 

Hugh M'Coy, 4 " " 

Alexander M'Candless, 2 bushels of wheat. 

John Cardike, (a pious negro,) 2 bushels of wheat. 

George Vallandingham, cash, 7s. 6d. 

Mrs. Nesbit, 3 yards of linen. 

Widow Riddle, 3 " " 

Her daughter Mary, 3 " " 

"The value of these old papers," says Professor R. Patter- 
son, who furnished them to Dr. Brown, "consists in their 
exhibiting the spirit of the enterprise, the objects for which 
the institution was founded, and the humble resources of its 
patrons. Such unassuming donations as two or three yards 
of linen, four or five bushels of wheat, rye or corn, four 
pounds of tea, would astonish the present race of students at 
Canonsburg." In this manner, for the noblest purpose, 
among a simple and hard working people, in the seclusion of 
the valley of Chartiers, was laid the foundation of a retreat 
for learning, whose halls would be resorted to, and whose 
influence felt, when the country, at that time a wilderness, 
would be teeming with a busy and enterprising population. 
May the far-sighted sagacity and wide-reaching philanthropy 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 33 

of its sires descend upon its sons. Then and there commenced 
an institution whose pupils were thereafter to be found in every 
honorable profession in their native country — in the sacred 
desk, at the bed-side of the sick, in the courts of justice, and 
in legislative halls. Others bearing the everlasting gospel to 
distant shores, exerting their abilities, acquired or strength- 
ened here, to elevate and enlighten the infidel European, the 
superstitious Hindoo, the degraded Chinese, and the wild 
Indian of our own land. In view of the circumstances 
attending the formation of this institution, the sons of Jeffer- 
son College need not fear that their Alma Mater will be like 

" The tower which builders vain, 
Presumptuous piled on Shinar's plain." 

Thus began the Canonsburg Academy, and such the history 
of the first years of its existence. It began in prayer and 
was supported by religious patriotism; and, therefore, no 
wonder it has remarkably flourished and gained a noble rank 
among the literary institutions of the United States. 

In the year 1794 a charter was granted, incorporating the 
trustees of "The Academy and Library Company, in the town 
of Canonsburg." This charter or act of incorporation was 
granted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, of which 
Judge M'Kean was the Chief Justice, agreeably to an act of 
the Legislature, April 6, 1791, entitled, "An act to confer 
on certain citizens of this Commonwealth, the power and 
immunities of bailies, politic and law." This gave it a legal 
existence. This charter the venerable founders did not get 
till the institution was some years advanced in its glorious 
career. But, as Dr. Brown says, " They had a charter from 
a higher authority than the Legislature of Pennsylvania, or 
the Supreme Court, venerable as it then was. They sought 
and obtained a charter from the Court of Heaven." It is 
obvious that neither the Presbyteries, nor the church as such, 
acted officially, or were, in any way, recognised in the whole 
proceedings. It was the "Academy and Library Company." 



34 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

We do not believe that those good men would have had the 
smallest objection that the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, 
and the Seceder Presbytery of Chartiers, should hold what- 
ever relation, officially, they might have preferred. But it 
was, perhaps, regarded as wiser, on all hands, that the insti- 
tution, being a candidate for an act of incorporation, for 
Legislative aid, and eventually for a College charter, should 
be divested of an ecclesiastical character. There was, at that- 
time, much inveterate prejudice, in reference to ecclesiastical 
endowments, by legislative enactments. If the Academy had 
assumed the name and form of such an institution as was 
contemplated by the Synod of Virginia, it would have proba- 
bly been refused a charter and all legislative aid, and, in that 
event, could scarcely have been sustained. Our forefathers, 
both lay and clerical, were, in these matters, wise and good 
men. 

From 1796 down to the period to which we propose to 
extend this historical sketch, we shall derive our principal aid 
from the records which were kept by the trustees. Previous 
to that time no minutes of their proceedings are to be found. 
These old records begin in this form: " January 25, 1796. 
The trustees of Canonsburg Academy met at Col. Canon's, 
according to appointment. Members present, Robert Rals- 
ton, John M'Powell, Thomas Brecken, John Canon, James 
Foster, James Allison, and Alexander Cook." Mr. Allison 
was chosen president, and Mr. Cook, clerk. On the opposite 
page there is a statement without any dale, as to the year, 
"of a meeting, on the first Tuesday of October, of a number 
of contributors, who proceeded to vote, by ballot, for trustees 
of the Academy and Library, the result of which was, that 
John Canon, John M'Powell, Craig Ritchie, Robert Ralston, 
Thomas Brecken, James Allison, James Foster, David Cault, 
and Alexander Cook were duly elected." But as no date of 
year is given, we cannot tell whether it was in October, 
"immediately previous to the January meeting, above noticed, 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 35 

or back, some years before, at the original formation of 
this first literary association of the West. The latter, we are 
inclined to suppose from the prominent place this minute 
occupies — being entered on the blank leaf which precedes the 
regular recorded minutes. At this meeting, in January, 1796, 
the trustees prepared and adopted a petition to the Legislature 
of the State, praying, that if they shoidd establish a College 
on this side the mountains, they would fix it at Canonsburg. 
As it may be read with interest by many, we will here 
insert it : 

"That your petitioners, confiding in your patriotism and 
good wishes, for the interest and advantage of this extensive 
Western country, whose population is daily increasing with 
an astonishing rapidity — having also much at heart the 
education of our youth, and understanding that a law was in 
some forwardness, last year, for the establishing of a College 
on this side the mountains — humbly beg leave to request, 
that if such a pleasing event may take place, due regard may 
be had to the most convenient place and other local advan- 
tages, hence deriving our hopes that this village will attract 
your favorable notice. That your petitioners are firmly per- 
suaded this town merits a decided preference, on many con- 
siderations. The situation is remarkably healthy. The 
inhabitants of the town and its vicinity are generally sober, 
orderly and religious. Being in the heart of a very fertile 
country, and at a considerable distance from any public mar- 
ket, produce must necessarily continue low. There was, some 
time since, a handsome stone building erected, and nearly 
finished, wherein a respectable number of youth have been 
instructed in classical literature and the mathematics, and in 
which one hundred students may be commodiously taught. 
Boarding and lodging may be obtained in decent families, 
at from £12 to £15 per annum. That any fund appropriated 
by the Legislature, for the erection of suitable buildings, for 
a College, would thus, in some measure, be anticipated, 



36 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

should the honorable House think fit to give this place their 
sanction, and might be converted to its interest some other 
way. From these considerations, and others that might be 
mentioned, we humbly hope you will grant this to be the 
place for a public institution. Ax d your petitioners, as in 
duty bound, will ever pray, &c, &c. 

" Signed by order of the Board, 

"James Allison, President. 
"Test— 
"Alexander Cook, Clerk." 

They notice, also, that their clerk had received and paid 
over to Mr. Ritchie, two pounds, sixteen shillings and seven 
pence, for the use of the Academy, from Mr. Saunders, being 
the half of the proceeds of two nights exhibition. Of the 
nature of this gentleman's performances, nothing is recorded. 

At the next meeting of the trustees, May 8, 1796, after 
electing Mr. Ritchie, treasurer, they directed him to call 
upon the students to receive their respective sums, quarterly, 
or what part of a quarter may be due, when the general pay- 
ments shall be made; and to keep an accurate list of the 
names of the students, together with their entry and departure 
from the school. These lists to be furnished by the "mas- 
ters." They also fixed the price of tuition at five pounds per 
annum, and directed the treasurer to pay the "masters" 
quarterly. There is then introduced this interesting minute, 
out of chronological order ; and why so, is no where explained : 

"Whereas this day, being the 28th of April, 1796, it is 
jointly agreed by the Reverend Presbytery of Ohio and the 
Trustees of the Canonsburg Academy, to employ two masters 
to teach the Latin and Greek languages, in the said Academy, 
to commence from the 2d day of May, 1796, viz. : Mr. David 
Johnston and Mr. James Mountain; each master aforesaid to 
receive the sum of ninety pounds specie for one year ; and to 
be paid quarterly, in equal dividends; for which we jointly 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 37 

and severally become bound, as witness our hands the day 
and date above written 

Presbytery Trustees. 

"John M' Mill an, James Allison, 

"Joseph Patterson, John M'Dowell, 

"James Hughs, John Canon, 

"John Brice, Thomas Brecken, 

"Thomas Marquis, Alexander Cook, 

"Thomas Moore, John Foster, 

"Boyd Mercer. Craig Ritchie." 

At the adjourned August meeting of the Trustees, they 
appointed a committee to adjust the balance due Col. Canon, 
on behalf of the Academy, and give him assurance of pay- 
ment, in three months, upon receiving from him a legal con- 
veyance of the Academy lot, and appurtenances. In October, 
of the same year, a number of contributors met, pursuant to 
their rule, selected by ballot, as Trustees for the ensuing year, 
the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson, Thomas Marquis, and 
Boyd Mercer, and Messrs. James Allison, John Canon, Alex- 
ander Cook, James Foster, John M'Dowell, and Craig Ritchie. 
These Trustees met November 14, 1796, and elected Judge 
M'Dowell, President ; Mr. Ritchie, Treasurer ; and Mr. Cook, 
Clerk. They also took measures for surveying and securing 
the Academy lot, appointed an usher to assist Mr. Mountain, 
*and increased his salary ten pounds, for the present year. 
Mr. David Johnston, who had been absent, and out of their 
employment for some time, wrote to the Trustees to inquire 
whether they wished again to employ him as teacher. This, 
they informed him, the state of the school would not permit 
them to do; assuring him, at the same time, that no man 
would be more acceptable. Some service of the county, per- 
haps in one of its public offices, then engaged the time of Mr 
Johnston ; and the Trustees intimated to him, as another 
4 



38 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

reason for declining to employ him, that the county would 
probably still engage his services. (Perhaps he had formerly 
withdrawn from their service, on account of more lucrative em- 
ployment; and they would now give him a mild hint of it.) 
They agreed, however, that his family might still occupy the 
house belonging to the Academy property ; in which they 
resided till the first of May. 

The last meeting of the Trustees, during this year, occurred 
December 1, 1796. They authorized the President to give 
Col. Canon a bond for one hundred pounds, as the balance due 
him, on sundry accounts, incurred by building the Academy, 
making the Academy responsible for the above sum to the 
present Trustees, with interest upon the same until paid. 
Joseph Stockton, (afterwards the Rev. J. Stockton,) was con- 
tinued an assistant tutor, with a salary of £25 per annum. 

During this period, the two Presbyteries of .Ohio and Red- 
stone, as appears from their records, continued to watch over 
this institution with sedulous care. The Presbytery of Ohio, 
at their usual Spring meeting, recorded that, " it was found 
upon inquiry, that something considerable had been collected 
towards defraying the expenses of the building of the Acade- 
my in Canonsburg; but, as enough had not yet been raised, 
it was again recommended to the members to continue their 
endeavors, and make report at their next Fall meeting." 
And at that meeting they renewed their recommendation, 
stating that " necessity now required vigorous efforts for the 
purpose. " The Presbytery of Redstone sent their commis- 
sioners to attend upon the examination of the students; who, 
at their following meeting, made a favorable report. The 
Academy was rising in reputation, and increasing in number 
of students. The employment, for some time, of James 
Mountain, Esq., as teacher of Languages, was propitious to 
the school. He was a thorough classical scholar, a polished 
gentleman of the old school in his manners, and afterwards 
became a very respectable lawyer. He also became, in sub- 



THE CANONSBTJItG ACADEMY. 39 

sequent years, a trustee ; and we well remember, in our col- 
lege days, of dreading his presence, when about to be examined 
on Latin or Greek. It was "said he had nearly the whole of 
Homer's Iliad in his memory, and could recite long passages 
of it, with great fluency. His services as an instructor in the 
classical department of the Academy ended with April, 1797, 
as he insisted upon a higher salary than the Trustees felt 
warranted to give. There was then a successful effort made 
to secure the services of Messrs. Carnahan and Stockton, for 
£25 each, for six months. Mr. Carnahan ; however, made it 
a condition that he should be at liberty to withdraw at any 
time after the space of three months, upon his giving two 
weeks' notice. This arrangement was made in April, 1797. 
Mr. Watson, who was then in his senior year, and about to 
graduate the ensuing Fall, at Princeton College, was proba- 
bly already in the eye of the Trustees, and especially of Dr. 
M'Millan, for the arduous work of conducting the most im- 
portant department of their Academy. Mr. Patterson had 
already jotted down in his Diary, (March 14, 1796,) " I hear 
Mr. M'Millan intends visiting Princeton, in May, in order to 
the return of Messrs. Watson and Hughs." The Trustees, 
in anticipation of Mr. Watson's coming, had resolved, and 
entered it on their minutes, " that they would employ him as 
Teacher." On September 27, 1797, they agreed with him, 
" To teach the Academy for twelve months, beginning from 
the first Tuesday of November next ; and the money arising 
from the students under his care, he accepts, as full compen- 
sation for his labors ; and to be collected in the same manner 
as usual." He was also to employ an usher, when they might 
think it necessary. The Trustees were re-elected October 3d, 
for the ensuing year. 

During the session of the Legislature, nothing was done 
for the Academy. The number of students was thirty-five, 
and five in Mr. Miller's department. It was a period of much 
religious prosperity also : for the Rev. Joseph Patterson notes 



40 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



in his Diary : "I hear that there is not one student now in 
the Academy, but appears to have religion, or is a subject of 
sharp awakenings." This was June 29, 1797. The follow- 
ing persons are mentioned, as Regular members of the two 
literary societies, (the Philo and Franklin,) then formed 
among the students, for that year. We give their names, 
with the titles they bore in after life, just as they are given 
in the catalogues of the Societies. 



FRANKLIN SOCIETY. 

Rev. James Carnahan, D. D., 

Ex-President of Princeton College, 
Rev. Cephas Dodd, Amity, Pa., 
Rev. J. Galbraith, Clarion Co., Pa. 
Rev. T. E. Hughs, Darlington, Pa., 
Rev. Jacob Lindlet, 

Ex-President of Ohio University, 
Rev. Stephen Lindley, Ohio, 
Rev. Wm. Wood, Mercer, Pa., 
Rev. Wm. Wick, Pa., 
Rev. Johnston, Eaton, Erie Co., Pa. 
Dr. James Power, Pa., *"^ 
Rev. Alex. Moxteith, Pa., 
James Marshall, 
Rev. James Hughs. 



PHILO SOCIETY. 

Rev. John Watson, 

Ex-President of Jefferson College, 
Rev. Jno. Boggs, Pa., 
Rev. Robert Lee, 
Rev. Robert Johnston, Pa., 
Rev. Wm. M'Millan, D. D., 

Ex-Pres't. of Jeff, and Frank. Colleges, 
Rev. Wm. Moorehead, 
Rev. James Satterfield, 
Rev. Samuel Tate, 
Rev. J. Smith, 
W:j. Fowler, 
Rev. Elisha Macurdy, 
Rev. John M'Lain, 
Rev. Joseph Stockton, 
Rev. Abraham Boyd, 
David Rennalls, 
William Carr, 

It is probable that in both these lists there are some errors, 
but we suppose they are substantially correct. They were 
not all students of the college, but some of them were mem- 
bers of the faculty. They present a noble set of names. 
There are several still living — the Rev. Messrs. Robert John- 
ston, James Satterfield, James Carnahan, D. D., Cephas Dodd, 
J. G-albraith, Jacob Lindley, and Dr. James Power. As this 
year is memorable, in the history of the Academy, for the 
organization of the above mentioned literary societies, it may 
be more proper here than elsewhere to give some further 






THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 41 

account of them. They were founded by graduates of Prince- 
ton. The Pliilo Literary Society was founded by the Rev. 
John Watson, the first President of the College, August 23, 
1797 ; and the Franklin Literary Society was founded, No- 
vember 14, 1797, by Dr. James Carnahan, who had been a 
pupil of Watson's, and afterwards teacher for some time, in 
the Academy, in connection with the Rev. Thos. E. Hughs, 
who we know was also a graduate of Princeton. Some of 
the founders and earliest members of these societies still sur- 
vive; and the names of those who have gone to their' rest, 
will be remembered with honor and affection, by numerous 
friends and relatives. They were generally ministers of the 
gospel; and surviving friends will be gratified to find their 
names recorded among the founders of these two fraternities. 
" As the charter, constitution, and laws of Jefferson Col- 
lege," says Dr. Brown, in an unpublished life of Dr. M'Mil- 
lan, " were evidently formed on the model of Princeton, so it 
may be presumed that the constitution, rules and exercises of 
the Literary Societies, were formed on the plan of the socie- 
ties at Princeton. The founders had been members of the 
Cliosophic or Whig Societies at Nassau Hall, and of course 
would introduce into the new societies, whatever they deemed 
most valuable, adapting them to the condition and habits of 
the students, and state of society, in the new settlement of the 
country. * * * These societies have been greatly useful. 
They have been important auxiliaries to the College in disci- 
pline, in maintaining good order, and in training the minds of 
the students to habits of attention, accurate discrimination, and 
argumentation, so as to improve in composition and oratory, 
to an extent not to be attained in the ordinary exercises of 
the college. Here, too, young men, accustomed to observe 
the strictest parliamentary rules, in their discussions, if called 
to the halls of legislation, or to act a part in popular assem- 
blies, either ecclesiastical or civil, are at once prepared to take 
an active part in the discussions. * * * It may be added, as 
4* 



42 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

deserving special notice, that there was, from the first, an im- 
portant exercise introduced into these societies, which had 
not been introduced at Princeton, nor any of the eastern 
colleges. We refer to the Literary Contest between the two 
societies, in composition, oratory, and debate. This takes 
place once a year. Judges are appointed to decide on the 
merits of the performances. These exercises, though attended 
with some disadvantages, have had a most powerful influence 
in stimulating the students to aspire after excellence in these 
attainments. The Contest, first introduced at Canonsburg, 
was afterwards adopted in Washington College, and since, by 
a number of Seminaries in the West and South. The socie- 
ties are secret, to some extent; their constitution, rules and 
proceedings, are kept secret. But they are not secret, affili- 
ated societies, bound together by one common bond — subject 
to one superior power, to give laws to the subordinates ; and 
thus, by an unseen, powerful influence, control the whole. 
Such societies are evidently of dangerous tendency — are 
odious to the great body of Christians, and have had a most 
unhappy influence in the church, and on the community at 
large. The literary societies in college are not, as stated, 
affiliated, but rival institutions. They cannot combine to 
effect evil purposes. Members of the Faculty are also mem- 
bers of these societies; and no plot or combination could 
occur without their knowledge. It is absurd to plead their 
example in justification of secret affiliated combinations, bound 
by solemn oaths and pledges, held by many of them as of 
higher obligation than the oath administered by civil authority. 
Within a few years past, some new" orders of secret societies 
have been introduced into colleges, and have their connection 
in most of the literary institutions of the United States. 
Their tendency is most dangerous. Linked together by sacred 
badges and oaths, their influence has been, in many places, 
disastrous. It is to be deejdy regretted that they have had 
influence to induce members of the church, and some bench- 



THE CANONSBURG ACADEMY. 43 

ciaries to join them. It is to the honor of the Literary Socie- 
ties of Jefferson College, that they have taken a noble stand 
against them — adopted resolutions to expel any who are known 
to adhere to them. Still, it has been found difficult to detect 
them, and their pernicious influence is still experienced to 
some extent. Unless these societies are put down, the conse- 
quence must be ruinous to all colleges in our country, as to 
morals, discipline, and substantial learning. " Thus wrote 
the late venerable President of Jefferson College, whose wis- 
dom and experience of college life gave him a right to speak 
u ex- Cathedra." He does not speak too strongly, we appre- 
hend, on this delicate subject. The Trustees of Princeton 
College have recently determined to root out these secret socie- 
ties from their institution. We hope tbey have succeeded. 
And we hope the Trustees of Jefferson College will follow 
their example. Though the above extract is somewhat long, 
we thought it due to Dr. M. Brown to give him a full hearing 
on this subject. * The attention of the Presbyteries of Ohio, 

* Wo are well award that it will require no ordinary prudence, as well as 
energetic decision, on the part of Faculties and Boards of Colleges, to sup- 
press these secret associations. Young men are apt to regard such measures 
as an unreasonable, tyrannical, and oppressive exercise of authority ; and as 
an infringement of their rights. It is not easy to convince them that such 
societies are of a dangerous tendency; and that a larger experience will 
eventually satisfy them that here is a case in which their relinquishment of 
an apparently harmless practice is duo to the general welfare of colleges, 
and to the judgment and wishes of older heads. The co-oporation of en- 
lightened public opinion, and especially of the great bod}' of the Alumni of 
our colleges, now engaged in the active scenes of life, would, perhaps, be 
of essential service, in giving practical efficiency to the efforts of the officers 
of colleges, in rooting out secret clubs. In what way such co-crperation could 
be secured, we leave for the consideration of others. With the co-oporation 
of public opinion, and of those who have formerly been students in our col- 
leges, the Faculties and Trustees could scarcely fail in effecting the extinc- 
tion of secret societies. But reason, kindness, and persuasion, not harsh 
decrees and menaces of expulsion, should be used. As we design to givo » 
more extended historical sketch of the two Literary Societies, together with 
a list of the questions discussed at their Contests, we shall not here extend 
our remarks. 



44 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

and of Redstone, during the period under review in this chap- 
ter, was directed with renewed zeal, to the interests of this 
child of their adoption. In the course of 1797, we find on the 
minutes of Redstone Presbytery, no less than three notices 
about it — first at their meeting at Fairfield, April 18, 1797. 
"The Committee appointed, at our last meeting, to assist the 
Presbytery of Ohio in an examination of the students, and 
an inquiry into the state of the Academy at Canonsburg, 
brought in their report, which was read and adopted. " Then 
at Dunlap's Creek, June 28, 1797. And also recommended 
contributions by their next meeting, u finding that the Acad- 
emy at Canonsburg labors under very great difficulties, from 
want of some pecuniary aid." Again, at Rehoboth, October 
18, 1797, they repeat the recommendation to raise contribu- 
tions, and appoint an examining committee. Lastly, at 
Pigeon Creek, December 26, 1797, the Presbytery of Ohio 
reiterate the same call for aid to the funds of the Academy. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 

Trustees and Officers — Another Petition to Legislature — Judge Edgar — 
Presbytery of Redstono — Old Mr. Patterson's account of Academy in 1798 
— Rules and Regulations — Colonel Canon's death and character — Legisla- 
tive aid — New Movement to get College Charter — Act of Trustees, about 
conditions of preaching in Academy — Members added to the Societies — 
Change of Constitution in 1798 — Names of Trustees — Charter of Jefferson 
College, in 1S02 — Why called aftor Mr. Jefferson — Good reasons for the 
namo — New Trustees — Now Rules — Mr. Watson, 1st President; his 
death and character — Mr. Dunlap elected President; his character. 

Wc are now entering upon a period fraught with facts and 
incidents of no less interest, in their bearing upon the char- 
acter and prospects of the rising Academy and future College 
than those of any previous period. The trustees, at their first 
meeting this year, in April, elected Judge M'Dowell, Presi- 
dent, and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Clerk. The Board also 
appointed Dr. M'Millan, President of the Academy. This 
seems to have been merely an honorary office, at this time, 
and not requiring anything further than a general supervision 
of the institution. It may also be noted, that at the same 
meeting, they resolved they would, thenceforward, begin and 
close their sessions with prayer. This pious resolution, with 
all serious minds, will satisfactorily account for the eminent 
wisdom and judgment which guided most of their subsequent 
deliberations. They also fixed Professor Miller's salary, at 
this time, at £100; and as the income then was not sufficient 
to make up this sum, the trustees, themselves, pledged various 
amounts, from £10 to £3, as a loan, to be afterwards refunded. 

(45) 



46 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Dr. M'Millan stands at the head of the list, for £10. Messrs. 
Patterson, Hughs, Moore, Marquis, and D. Smith for from 
£6 to £4; and Messrs. Allison, Edgar and Kitchie, £3 each. 
At their October meeting they appointed Messrs. Findley, 
Edgar and Ritchie, a committee to draught another petition 
and memorial to the State Legislature, for pecuniary assist- 
ance to the institution; which was afterwards reported and 
adopted, and being signed by the President, Judge M'Dowell, 
was committed to the Hon. William Findley, Judge M'Dow- 
ell, and John Wright, Esq., to be forwarded by them to the 
Legislature. This petition, differing materially from the 
former one in its object, contains some new items of interest, 
and some arguments very forcibly put, and will repay a 
perusal. It is as follows : 

"To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met : — 
The memorial and petition of the Academy and Library 
Company, of the town of Canonsburg, in the county of 
Washington, respectfully showeth — That the said Academy 
and Library was originated and carried on by the attention 
and at the expense, chiefly, of a few public spirited citizens, 
residing in the town and vicinity of Canonsburg, and that, 
owing to the convenience of accommodation, the low price of 
boarding, and the care that has been taken to provide suitable 
teachers, this institution has been very beneficial in promoting 
the education of youth. In the course of a few years past, 
twenty-one young men, who are now employed in the profes- 
sions of divinity, law and medicine, received the rudiments of 
their education at this school ; nine others have also completed 
their classical education, and are pursuing the studies requi- 
site to qualify them for one or other of the learned profes- 
sions. Thirty-two are at present employed iu learning the 
languages, and acquiring the knowledge of the Mathematics 
and Natural Philosophy. One master, and assistant, are 
employed in teaching the learned languages, and another 






THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 47 

teacher, the other branches. Each of the masters has had a 
regular and extensive education; and they are men of fair 
character. The tuition money for teaching the languages, 
though the charge is moderate, is nearly sufficient to defray 
the expense of that part of instruction. But the profits 
arising from teaching the mathematics and natural philo- 
sophy, come far short of the expense, though the teaching 
of them is indispensable to the institution. We trust 
we are warranted in saying, that the said Academy has been 
more successful, notwithstanding the want of public aid, 
than any or all of the other institutions in the western coun- 
ties of Pennsylvania. Permit us to add that there is a con- 
venient house erected for the purpose, at the personal expense 
of the trustees, with the assistance of private contributions; 
but the Library is so small as to be wholly insufficient for the 
purpose. From this view of the situation of the Academy 
and Library, of which we are trustees, we hope that the 
Legislature will, in pursuance of the powers vested in them 
by the Constitution, be convinced of the propriety of granting 
such assistance to this institution, as they, in their wisdom, 
shall judge proper. They will, no doubt, think with us, that 
it will be a public injury to suffer it to perish, after having 
been productive of so much good, and having its character 
for usefulness so well established. We are also sufficiently 
warranted in saying, that no place in Pennsylvania affords 
cheaper accommodations for students, and that the situation is 
central to all the western counties, and very little exposed to 
public resort, or such amusements as have a tendency to cor- 
rupt the morals of young men, or divert them from their 
studies. We further assure the Legislature, that if public 
assistance is not given, the institution cannot be carried on to 
advantage, nor the library be rendered competent. We beg 
leave to state that petitions in behalf of this Institution, and 
a Bill, read the second time, for granting assistance to it, are 
on the files of a former Assembly. Hoping that the Legisla- 
ture will enable the Trustees to support an Institution which 



48 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

has already been productive of so much good, at the charge 
of a few public spirited citizens, your petitioners, as in duty 
bound, will ever pray, &c. 

"Signed, 
" JOHN M'DOWELL, President. 

" Attested by the Secretary. " 

The Trustees again advanced, on individual loan, various 
sums, as before, to secure the continued services of Professor 
Miller. They also elected Judge Edgar President of the 
Board, for the ensuing year, and adopted a variety of by-laws 
for their own benefit. Nothing further as to the doings of 
the Trustees seems to claim attention at this time. Mr. 
Patterson says, as to this period : " The Academy appears 
to flourish under the tuition of Messrs. Watson and Hughs. " 
Again, October 24, 1798 : "This morning I am setting out 
to attend the examination at Canonsburg. It is expected that 
Mr. Watson will continue at the Academy, where the power 
of God yet appears among the students. " Again, the next 
day: " Canonsburg Institution here is truly useful. " The 
Philo Literary Society, report as belonging to the year 1798, 
the following additional regular members : " The Rev. Reed 
Brecken, Pa., Rev. James Robinson, Rev. Robert M'Garragh, 
Rev. Alexander Boyd, Thos. Vincent, Caleb Baldwin, John 
Findley. " The Franklin Literary Society, for the same 
period, the following: "The Rev. Messrs. Andrew M'Don- 
ald, Nicholas Pittinger, Smiley Hughs, Wm. Neil, D. D., 
Ex-President Dickinson College, Pa., Daniel Milliken, James 
Ramsey, D. D., Ex-Professor Hebrew, Jefferson College, and 
Messrs. Wm. Hartley, Thos. M'Griffen, Esq., Washington, 
Pa. ; Hon. Geo. Torrence, Cincinnati, Ohio ; George Paul, and 
Wm. Jones. 

In the following year, the Trustees adopted some excellent 
regulations, in regard to the course of instruction. They 
prescribed a curriculum of studies, which they would require, 
in order to secure their final Latin certificate. They prescribed, 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 49 

as to the Latin course, besides the common introductory books, 
"the three first books of ( Selectae e profanis, ' six books of 
Ovid, the Eclogues and Georgics of Virgil, and the first six 
Aeneids; all Horace, and the Orations of Cicero. Then, in 
the Greek, the usual parts of the Greek New Testament. 
The first four Books of Xenophon's Cyropaedia, and four 
Books of Homer's Iliad. In Mathematics, " the whole of 
Arithmetic. " "The first six books of Euclid's Elements" 
" Simpson's Algebra " to the 50th problem, or the equivalent 
in some other author. " Trigonometry, Surveying, Martin's 
Natural Philosophy, Astronomy and Geography, comprising 
the use of the Globes." Also " Rhetoric, Logic, and Moral 
Philosophy." But they did not prescribe the authors to be 
studied in these branches. This course, thus prescribed, will 
give us some idea of the extent of educational training then 
attempted. Though very inferior, in some respects, and, in- 
deed, altogether wanting in various branches of science, now 
considered essential to a thorough college course, it was nev- 
ertheless suited to those times, and certainly laid a good foun- 
dation of scholarship, which, in many cases, was afterward 
matured to a degree of attainment, in no respect inferior to 
the liberal education attainable anywhere in our country, at 
that period. We believe there were as large a proportion of 
respectable scholars prepared and trained in this way, then as 
now. The Latin certificate ran in this form : 

" Praeses et Curatores Academiae Canonsburgiensis, omni- 
bus et singulis, literas lecturis, Salutem in Domino. Notum 
sit, A. B , artibus liberalibus, in hac Academia, datis operam 
dedisse, et harum ejus peritiam examine accurato esse appro- 
batam, cujus nomina nostra huic niembrange, subscripta sint 
testimonium. 

"Datum Academiae Canon. "Nomina Presidis, 

" Octavo Kalendarum Nov. " et 

" Anno Domini — " " Curatorum. 
5 



50 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

The Trustees resolved also to mention publicly the names 
of such students as were remarkable for their industry and 
accuracy; and also those who should be marked for their in- 
dolence and deficiency, at every public examination. And at 
every Fall Examination they determined to designate four 
students, whom they shall think most deserving, as accurate 
diligent scholars, two of them being of the Mathematical 
School, the other two of the Languages ; which students, in 
the order in which they shall be mentioned by the Trustees, 
as meritorious, shall have the privilege of choosiDg their 
places of speaking, on the day of public exhibition, and of 
wearing honorary badges ; which privileges shall be granted 
to no other students at that time. These regulations, no 
doubt, exerted a salutary influence in those early days of the 
Academy. At a meeting of the Trustees, April 23, 1799, 
the Board proceeded to the choice of a Trustee, in the place 
of Col. John Canon, deceased ; and the Rev. John M'Millan 
was duly elected. It is thus we incidentally learn the fact 
of the recent death of that early friend and patron of the 
Academy, whose name should stand high on the roll of its 
venerable founders. He lived to see that school, to which 
he was so much attached, and to the interests of which he 
devoted so much of his care and time and money, fairly on 
the way in its glorious career. * Immediately following the 
above minute, it is added : "On motion, adopted as a rule 
that any person who receives a salary from this Academy, 
shall not be a trustee." This was entered, no doubt, to show 



* " Col. Canon, the founderof Canonsburg, was an active, intelligent, and 
gentlemanly man. He died when but little past the meridian of life; leav- 
ing a widow and several children. Mrs. Canon was regarded as the lady of 
the place, and deserved^; for she was eminently pious, friendly, and gen- 
erous. Her house was the seat of hospitality, the favorite resort oi Christian 
ministers, and serious students. She and all her children are dead, except 
Mrs. Patterson, widow of the late Rev. R. Patterson, a lady of quiet worth, 
and attractive social qualities." — Dr. Neill in Free. Mag. Feb. 1857, page 87. 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 51 

that Dr. M'Millan's election, though nominally Principal of 
the Academy, yet, as he received no salary, was unexception- 
able ; and could not, therefore, be made a precedent for a 
a similar election of a member of the Faculty, unless he was 
merely an honorary member. 

The ensuing year, 1800, was signalized in the history of 
the Institution, by a Legislative grant of $1,000 ; which, no 
doubt, though long deferred, was most seasonable ; and for 
awhile relieved the Academy from pressing embarrassments. 
Besides discharging several debts, it enabled the Trustees to 
make repairs and alterations of their house, and to purchase 
a small supply of Philosophical Apparatus. It is worthy of 
notice, also, that the trustees, with scarcely an exception, 
threw up their claims for the several sums they had loaned 
the Institution. Though they were almost all of them in 
very moderate circumstances, they were a noble, public-spir- 
ited set of men, who willingly made great sacrifices for the 
Academy. Their names should be had in everlasting remem- 
brance. A movement was now made (in October, 1800) to 
get the Academy converted into a College. The appropriation 
which they had received from the Legislature, encouraged 
them to make the effort. They accordingly appointed Messra. 
M'Millan, Allison, Cook, and Ritchie to draft a petition for 
this purpose. Their memorial is not on record ; but we can 
well conceive, from their former petitions, what was its general 
drift. It was not, however, granted the ensuing winter. Not 
till January 15, 1802, did the General Assembly pass that 
important act. In the meantime, though little of importance 
occurred in the history of the Academy, during its short 
remaining existence, we may note a few things. One item that 
now appears rather amusing, is that, in October, 1800, the 
Trustees passed an order, " That no minister be permitted to 
preach in the Academy, except those of the Presbyterian or 
Seceding denominations ; and the latter only upon their pay- 
ing one dollar for each day they are permitted to use it. " At 



52 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

this distant period, we should not be hasty in forming our 
judgments of the character of this measure. Such a rule, 
were it now adopted, would bring down upon the Board the 
charge of being intolerant bigots. Yet, without any want of 
Christian liberality, these good men of those days might have 
found it necessary to protect the Academy from Sectarian 
attempts at forward and impudent intrusion, to the great an- 
noyance of the place, and interruption of the regular exercises 
of the school. We know, from the earlier history of many 
sects, which are now not generally characterized by extrava- 
gant irregularities, that the most brazen-faced impudence was 
sometimes practiced. We have no doubt the rule of the 
trustees was, for those times, wise and seasonable, and sustained 
by the good sense and general approbation of the community. 
Old Mr. Patterson jotted down in his Diary, for this period, 
" Elisha Macurdy writes, ' our school is in a much better situa- 
tion than formerly. ' " During the last three years of the 
Academy, namely, 1799, 1800, 1801, there was a class of 
young men in attendance, that, in respect to their solid worth, 
and future distinguished usefulness and influence in various 
walks of life, were not exceeded by any similar number from 
any other college in the United States. The Franklin So- 
ciety enrolled, during these years, the Rev. Messrs. Clement 
Valandingham, James Gilleland, James R. Wilson, D. D., 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and Gilbert M'Master, D. D., Cincinnati, 
Ohio; and Messrs. Ethan Baldwin, Esq., George Bird, Esq., 
Bedford, Pa. j Najthaniel Giffin, Esq., John White, M. D., 
Abraham Carmichael, John M'Donald, Esq., Pittsburgh; Jo- 
seph Patterson, Esq., Washington Parkinson, Daniel Heisler, 
Esq., John Bell, John St. Clair, Anthony Rollins, David 
Young, Andrew Shannon, David Allerater, Samuel Jenkins, 
Eliezer Jenkins, Matthew Williams, and Joseph Dunlap. 
The Philo Society, during the same time, claimed the follow- 
ing list : The Rev. Messrs. Thos. Marquis, Cyrus Riggs, 
John Harshe, James Boyd, James Scott, Moses Allen, John 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 53 

Rea, J). D., and Abraham Scott ; and Messrs. John Cameron, 
James Taylor, Marcus Haglin, Charles Moorland, Isaac Cow- 
den, John Purviance, James Blackstone, David Drennan, 
Crawford White, Robert Gordon, James Wilson, Benjamin 
Boyd, James Cunningham, James Hoge, James Carr, Peter 
Boss, Joseph Colwell, James Walker, Rev. Thomas Hunt, 
John Creaton, Benjamin Woods, A. Thompson, John Van- 
dyke, James Veset, William M'Millan, Jr., Rev. Messrs. Al- 
exander Murray, and James Culbertson, D. D., Jared Smith, 
and Josiah Scott. These names have not always the proper 
designation attached to them. For instance, Andrew Shan- 
non, James Cunningham, and James Hoge, we think were 
ministers of the gospel; the last, the Rev. James Hoge, T>. P., 
of Columbus, Ohio, the Presbyterian Apostle of Ohio, who, 
though he did not graduate at Canonsburg, but perhaps at 
Hampden Sidney College, in Virginia, was a student, for 
some time, at Jefferson College. Several of the above named 
persons became eminent, in various professional and civil sta- 
tions. Jefferson College, in her palmiest days in after years, 
need never be ashamed of her Academical history. We have 
thought the introduction of these names of students of the 
old Academy would be interesting to many, especially as but 
few of them occur in the College catalogue, (which will be 
found in our Appendix,) as that catalogue begins with the 
date of the Institution when it became a College. 

We have now reached a very important era in the history 
of this Institution. It was about to emerge from its crysalis 
state. It was about to assume the loftier name, and more 
commanding position of a College. It had, indeed, passed 
through an important change in 1798. Amendments to its 
constitution, affecting considerable changes, were secured by 
a new charter. The trustees were no longer, under the new 
charter, elected annually, but for life ; and when vacancies 
occurred by death or otherwise, the corporate trustees elected 
pthers to supply the vacancy. In other words, it became a 
5* 



54 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

close corporation. The number of trustees then amounted to 
twenty-one. Of these we find that thirteen were clergymen, 
and eight, laymen, although there was no provision in the 
constitution designating the proportion, as was afterwards 
the case in the College charter. * An application, it will be 
remembered, had been made by the Trustees to the Legisla- 
ture, in 1796, that if they were about to establish a college 
west of the mountains, as they, the trustees, understood such 
a law was in forwardness, the previous year, for that purpose, 
they, the Legislature, would have due regard to the claims of 
Canonsburg, as a convenient place, and possessing other local 
advantages, &c. But it has been seen that this movement 
failed. They now resumed under better auspices, their efforts 
with the Legislature, to get a charter for a college. Accord- 
ingly, an Act was passed, January 15, 1802, establishing a 
college at Canonsburg, to be called Jefferson College. Who 
had given it this name, whether the Trustees, in their petition, 
or whether the Legislature, as some have supposed, is not 
clearly ascertained. The memorial to the Legislature is not 
on record. Nor have we access to the Journal and papers on 
file, of the Legislature at Harrisburg. f But it is immaterial. 
It may have been deemed a highly politic measure to secure 
the success of the petition, with that Democratic Assembly, 
and also to render their college popular throughout the West. 
No name was more respected by the great body of the people 
in Western Pennsylvania, than the name of Mr. Jefferson. 



. * The following are the names of those venerable men who were Trustees 
of the Academy from 1798 to 1802 : The Rev. Messrs. James Power, James 
punlap, Join M'Pherrin, David Smith, William Swan, John Smith, John 
Riddle, Joseph Patterson, Thos. Marquis, James Hughs, Boyd Mercer, 
Thos. Moor, Samuel Ralston, Wm. Findley, Esq., John Wright, Esq., Robert 
Galbraith, Esq., James Edgar, John M'Dowell, Jp.mes Allison, John Canon, 
and Craig Ritchie. 

t An unavailing search on this point has been made at Harrisburg. 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 55 

He had been inducted into the office of President of the Uni- 
ted States, in March, 1801. His administration, for some 
time, was like a continued ovation. The party who had tri- 
umphantly borne him forward to this high station, were in 
the utmost state of exultation. To call this first college in 
the West, this first seat of science in the Valley of the Mis- 
sissippi, after this idol of the people, would be thought, on 
all sides, most felicitous. It might have been sincerely 
thought by the Trustees a compliment to Mr. Jefferson, which 
he deserved. Possibly William Findley, Esq., who then rep- 
resented a large portion of Western Pennsylvania in Congress, 
a Trustee of the Academy, and a warm political partizan of 
Mr. Jefferson, may have led the Trustees to adopt this name ; 
and may have suggested that a douceur might be given by 
Mr. Jefferson for the compliment, or he might help them by 
testamentary provision. Gen. Washington had, only a year 
or two before, left by his will a noble bequest, in James River 
stocks, to Washington Academy, in Virginia, that very insti- 
tution that had sprung from the action of the Synod of Vir- 
ginia, when the Synod took measures to found two seminaries, 
one in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and the other in Wash- 
ington county, Pennsylvania. What so proper, in every way, 
as that the Institution which had, in a great measure, owed 
its earlier life to the action of the Synod, should become Jef- 
ferson College, now that the other school of the Synod had 
taken the name of Washington ? When we take into view 
all the circumstances we have now mentioned, we are not sur- 
prised that this old Presbyterian Institution should take the 
name of the man who, to the day of his death, disliked Vir- 
ginia Presbyterians, and apprehended their opposition to his 
Virginia University, (the child and the glory of his old age,) 
more than all other sources of annoyance, to his plans of 
building up a great seat of science, where Christianity should 
be ignored. This apprehension from Presbyterian opposition 
to his schemes he acknowledged to his infidel friend, Dr. 



56 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Cooper, of South Carolina. * Dr. Brown, in his unpublished 
" Life of Dr. M'Millan, " thus remarks about the name of 
our college : " It has been a matter of surprise and regret, 
that an institution, founded in piety and prayer, and profess- 
edly designed to be devoted to religion, should bear the name 



*But even if Mr. Jefferson's religious views were objectionable, his ser- 
vices to his country, unsurpassed by any other, except Washington, his 
authorship of the " Declaration of Independence, " and of the Virginia 
" Bill of Rights, " his efforts in the cause of unrestricted toleration, his per- 
severing efforts to overthrow every vestige of religious establishments, his 
sympathy for suffering humanity, his contempt for, and internecine war 
against all privileged orders and aristocratieal distinctions of society, and 
especially his opposition to the unrighteous excise laws of the General Gov- 
ernment, which had produced so much misery and disaster in Western Penn- 
sylvania, seemed really to entitle him to the compliment of having the first 
college in the Valley of the Mississippi called by his name. Again, if ho 
was the author and originator of the Ordinance of 1787, establishing tho 
North-Western Territory, as has been affirmed, even for this one service to 
his country, and especially to tho West, ho deserved to have his name 
stamped indelibly on the first seat of science west of the mountains. The 
following statement will be found in the New York Observer, Juno 28, 1855, 
headed 

DID JEFFERSON DIE AN INFIDEL? 

"Your last issue calls attention to the fact that the Congress of '54, dis- 
tributed three hundred copies of the works of Thomas Jefferson, among sev- 
eral colleges and other literary institutions ; and that these works contain 
infidel sentiments. It is much to be regretted that the author of the Decla- 
ration of Independence should have ever entertained or published 'infidel 
eentiments. ' We cannot deny the fact. He so identified himself with infi- 
delity, while he held exalted positions — and his expressed opinions to the 
world were such, as to leave no doubt of the fact, that the Patriot, Scholar, 
and Statesman, was at one time an avowed infidel. But there is one little 
circumstance in the history of Jefferson, which I do not think is generally 
known. It is this : — In his old age, when he had retired to the quiet scenes 
of Monticello, he visited one Sabbath, a country church ; it happened to be 
communion day, and when the invitation was given to the communicants to 
come forward and partake of the sacred elements, this man, who had given 
the influence of his high name towards extinguishing the light of Christi- 
anit}', and obliterating the hope of the world ; — this man came humbly for- 
ward, and meekly kneeling at the altar, received those precious remem- 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 57 

of one, who, though distinguished and honored justly, as a 
philosopher and statesman, an advocate of the principles of 
liberty, yet must be acknowledged to have been an infidel, a 
deist, if not an atheist, and a bitter opposer of the Christian 
religion. It must, however, be recollected that the principles 
of Mr. Jefferson, at that time, were not fully developed, as 
afterwards. Occasional rumors, respecting his opposition to 
religion, were disbelieved and denied. It cannot otherwise 
be supposed that these Trustees and conductors of the Insti- 
tution would have consented to such a name. " But it is a 
matter of small account. " De minimis non curat lex. " 
" A rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet. " One 



brances of the death of Christ, which afford so much comfort to believers. It 
is something wrested from the powers of darkness to know that a man of Jeffer- 
son's mind and firmness of character, should respond to an invitation like 
the following : 

" 'Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and 
charity with your neighbors, and intend to load a new life, following the 
commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; 
draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and 
make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your 
knees. ' 

" I have this fact from a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now 
over three-score years of age, who was born, raised, and spent the greater 
portion of his life in Virginia. If my recollection of our interview is cor- 
rect, he received the account from the servant of Christ who administered 
the sacrament. 

" Some of Jefferson's dd manuscripts were published, I believe, after his 
decease, by an infidel relative. Is there not some reason to believe that he 

would havo retracted them publicly, had he lived a little longer? 

"J. W. K. 
" Hackensack, N. J., June 16, 1855. " 

We have no confidence in this whole story; and are very sure it would 
not only be discredited in Charlottesville, but would be regarded as reflecting 
no honor upon the character of Mr. Jefferson, who, however much he admired 
Voltaire, and had his bust in full view of his dying eyes, would not have 
imitated him in receiving the sacrament. But wo give the account for what 
it is worth, unwilling to withhold anything that may be alleged in Mr. Jef- 
forson's behalf. 



58 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of the names of Hampden Sidney College, a thorough Pres- 
byterian school, is the name of an infidel, if we may rely on 
the testimony of Bishop Burnet. One of our Western col- 
leges is called after Franklin, and he was hardly a Christian, 
though we would not call him an infidel. 

The Board of Trustees that were recognized in the charter 
of the College consisted of the following persons : The Rev. 
Messrs. John M'Millan, Joseph Patterson, Thos. Marquis, 
Samuel Ralston, John Black, James Power, James Dunlap, 
John M'Pherrin ; and Messrs. James Edgar, John M'Daniel, 
James Allison, William Findley, Craig Ritchie, John Ham- 
ilton, Joseph Vance, Robert Mahon, James Kerr, Aaron 
Leyle, Alexander Cook, John Mercer, and William Hughes. 
In the original charter eleven constituted a quorum ; after- 
wards the number was reduced to seven. A large majority 
of them met on the 27th of April, 1802, and continued in 
session, with the usual adjournments, for three days. Before 
they entered upon business, they took the oath prescribed by 
the Act; which is in the following form: "You and each 
of you do solemnly swear, that you will support the Consti- 
tution of the United States of America, and of this State, 
and that you will, with fidelity, perform the duties of a trus- 
tee of Jefferson College. " * Judge Edgar, being one of the 
judges of the court for Washington county, administered the 
oath to the trustees, who were present, and then Judge Vance 
administered the oath to him. Dr. M'Millan was chosen 
President of the Board, and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Clerk. 
Messrs. Dunlap, M'Pherrin, and Ralston, were appointed a 
committee to arrange the number of classes which should be 
in the College, and the studies proper for each class ; and tc 
report the following day. Accordingly, their report was 
received, and, after debate, and some alterations, was adopted. 



• No Old Side Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian could take that oath, 
though the students of that body have generally gone to this college. 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 59 

The following is the substance of it : " The Faculty shall 
consist of 1st., a President or Principal, who is also to be 
Professor of Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, Logic, &c. 2d. A 
Professor of Divinity. 3d. A Professor of Mathematics and 
Natural Philosophy. 4th. That the Languages shall be 
taught, as hitherto, by the Professor. 5th. That the Mathe- 
matics be taught, till the Fall, in the manner hitberto, in the 
Academy, by the Professor. 6th. That the Professor of 
Moral Philosophy, teach all who would wish to apply to it, 
Logic, Rhetoric, Geography, &c. 7th. That, in the Fall, all 
who, by attending through the session on the Institution, 
shall sustain an examination on the Languages, Geography, 
Mathematics, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, Logic, 
Metaphysics, Roman and Greek Antiquities, and History, 
shall receive a degree. 8th. That the Rules and Regulations 
hitherto adopted for the good conduct of the students in the 
Academy, shall be continued in force till Fall. 9th. That 
each student shall pay his tuition a quarter in advance. " 
The Trustees further agreed that they would now mention 
what classes they designed to constitute, and the studies of 
each ; so that the students may, through the Summer, be 
making preparation for the class into which they design to 
enter. They also determined to support a Grammar School, 
or Preparatory Department, in which the usual elementary 
books in the Languages were to be used ; and also Arithme- 
tic, Composition, English Grammar, and speaking Orations 
were to be attended to. They prohibited the use of transla- 
tions of the Classics. They adopted a general plan of three 
classes. The first class were to read Horace, Cicero's Ora- 
tions, Xenophon, Homer, Longinus, together with the study 
of Greek, and Roman Antiquities, Geography, and some parts 
of Algebra. The second class, to be styled the Mathematical 
Class, were to finish Algebra, and study Euclid's Elements, 
Practical Geometry, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoric and Lec- 
tures on History. The third class, to be styled the Philo- 



60 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

sophical Class, were to study Logic, Moral Philosophy, and 
Metaphysics, and a careful Review of the Languages, and of 
the aforementioned arts and sciences. A strict attention to 
Composition and to speaking Orations was to be given by the 
students, in all the classes. Two years' connection with the 
College, and a sustained examination on all the above studies, 
were made the condition of a Diploma. 

The Board then elected by ballot, the Rev. John Watson 
as Principal, and Professor of Moral Philosophy ; Dr. M' Mil- 
Ian, as Professor of Divinity, and Mr. Samuel Miller, Profes- 
sor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Geography. 

As Dr. M'Millan could not remain a trustee, and at the 
same time become a member of the faculty, he resigned his 
seat in the Board, and Judge Edgar was chosen President of 
the Board in his place. President Watson was also appointed 
Professor of Languages, and he and Judge M'Dowell were 
appointed to prepare a system of laws and regulations for the 
College, and report them at the next meeting. The Board 
ordered a College seal to be prepared, with a device of " a 
figure of a Principal presenting a Diploma to a student, Jef- 
ferson College in Latin, round the bottom, and this motto, 
1 Deo juvante omnia possumus,' round the top;" to be ready 
by next commencement. 

The Rev. Dr. M'Millan was appointed Principal during the 
absence of Mr. Watson. Mr. Watson's salary was fixed at 
£150, he to provide his Tutors at his own expense. Professor 
Miller's salary was £100. The Rev. Thos. Moore was elected 
a trustee in place of Dr. M'Millan. 

The College now commenced its new and brilliant career. 
Great expectations were excited, especially under the antici- 
pated administration of that extraordinary son of genius, the 
Rev. John Watson. But these anticipations were soon to 
meet with a sad disappointment, occasioned by the early death 
of that gifted man. He did not live more than three or four 
months after he regularly entered upon his work. His death 






THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 61 

occurred November 30th, 1802. This mournful event threw 
a sombre hue over the rising prospects of Jefferson College. 
It was a heavy affliction to the students, the trustees, and the 
citizens, and especially to his venerable father-in-law, Dr. 
M'Millan. * 

"Quis strepitus circa comitum! 
Sed nox atra caput tristi circumvolat umbra. 
Ostendunt terris hunc tantum fata, neque ultra 
Esse sinent. " 



* Tho Rev. John Watson was a native of Western Pennsylvania, descended 
from poor, but respectable parents, both of whom died when he was about 
nine years of age, leaving him a helpless and dependent orphan. A friend 
of his father's, who kept a tavern and a retail store, received him into his 
family, and with a view to make him useful to him in his business, instructed 
him in writing and arithmetic. He early discovered a fondness for reading, 
and sought to indulge his tastes by a perusal of every book within his reach. 
As the lady of the house was a novel reader, and had many of this sort of 
books, she was obliged to keep her book case locked to prevent his access to 
them. When he was about eleven or twelve years of age, a copy of the Spec- 
tator fell into his hands, which he read with great delight. The Latin sen- 
tences prefixed to the various numbers gave him much trouble, and excited 
within him an earnest desire to become acquainted with that language. The 
only means within his reach of attaining his object, was a copy of Horace, 
and an old mutilated Latin Dictionary. With these, however, he went to 
work, and by dint of application, and without a teacher or a grammar, he 
acquired considerable knowledge of that difficult author. Many of the hours 
which others gave to sleep, he devoted to study. One night, the late Judge 
Addison, who lodged at the same hotel, upon returning to his lodgings at a 
late hour, after the family had retired to rest, found young Watson diligently 
engaged in reading Horace, by the light of the fire. Being much pleased 
and interested with the lad, Addison promised him that, on his return, at the 
next term of the court, he would furnish him with more suitable books for 
the attainment of a knowledge of the Latin. This promise was not forgot- 
ten by the Judge, but at the timo fixed upon, he carried with him the books, 
and delivered them into the hands of his young acquaintance, who had been 
looking for them with much impatience. His pleasure on receiving them 
was very great. " Never, " said he, " did I experience a more joyful 
moment. " His studies being now greatly facilitated, he made rapid pro- 
gress. Although he continued his labors at the counter and in the bar-room, 

6 



62 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Yet the College, during its first session, in 1802, made a 
very auspicious beginning of its future glorious course. The 
students were, with few exceptions, young men of great prom- 
ise, who, in after life, were eminently useful and successful 
men. There were some who were alumni, during the previ- 
ous year, and part of the present year, though they did not 
graduate * at Jefferson College. Among these may be men- 
tioned the Rev. John Johnston, of Newburg, New York, a 
man of great worth and eminent usefulness, who has long 
occupied a high place among his brethren of that State. Also 
the Rev. Dr. James Eoge, of Columbus, Ohio, the Apostle 

he employed every leisure moment in the study of the classics, and finally 
became an accomplished Latin and Greek scholar. When nineteen years 
of age, through the influence of Dr. M'Millan, who had become acquainted 
with him, he was appointed Tutor in Canonsburg Academy, in which situa- 
tion he remained about eighteen months. At the expiration of that period, 
he entered the College of New Jersey, where he was sustained in part by 
Dr. M'Millan, and where he was graduated, A. D. 1797. He studied the- 
ology with Dr. M'Millan, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio, at 
Cress Creek, October 17, 1798, and ordained at Miller's Run, June 26, 1800. 
He was elected President of Jefferson College, August 29, 1802, and was 
the first President under the charter. He died November 30th, 1802, only 
three months after his accession to the Presidency. He was married to Mar- 
garet, the second daughter of Dr. M'Millan. By a remarkable coincidence, 
he and the Rev. Wni. Moorehead were married to sisters, by their father-in- 
law, on the same day, took sick on the same day, died on the same day, and 
were buried in the same grave, in the burying ground belonging to the con- 
gregation of Chartiers. Mr. Watson was a man of unusual endowments. 
The Rev. Dr. John Rea, one of his pupils, to whom we are indebted for 
most of these facts, says : "' He possessed a mind pure, vigorous, and 
enlightened. He could unfold his ideas to othors in language simple, clear, 
forcible, and not unfrequently eloquent. He was amiable in his disposition, 
conciliatory in his manners, of unblemished morals, and real, unaffected 
piety. He was esteemed by all who knew him, and beloved by all his stu- 
dents, by many of whom he will be cherished in remembrance as long as 
memory remains. " — Br. Elliott's Life of Macurdy, App. p. 281. See also 
Chapter 8, of this book, for Dr. Brown's Sketch of Mr. Watson. 

* This mode of expression, and not " was graduated, " we find now 
adopted by the Foreign Reviews, and good writers in our own country. 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 63 

of Presbyterianism in that State — a man of giant intellect 
and ardent piety, whose services in the cause of religion and 
humanity, have rendered his name familiar in every part of 
our land. At the Fall Commencement, Wm. M'Mtllun, 
(afterwards the Rev. Wm. M'Millan, D. D., Ex-President 
of Jefferson College, and afterwards of Franklin College, 
Ohio,) Israel Pickens, (afterwards a distinguished lawyer aud 
member of Congress, in the South, and Governor of Alabama,) 
Johnson Eaton, (afterwards the Rev. Johnson Eaton, one of 
the pioneers of Presbyterianism in North- Western Pennsyl- 
vania,) John Rea, an eminent minister of the gospel in Ohio, 
in after life, and Rev. Bracken, afterwards, through a long 
life, a useful Presbyterian minister, graduated, receiving their 
dipiomas of A. B. 

The Board, at their Fall meeting, elected the Rev. Samuel 
Porter, and James Allison, Esq., as trustees, in place of the 
Rev. John Black, deceased, and Mr. A. Cooke, resigned. No 
other record is made of the death of the Rev. Mr. Black, 
but simply this incidental mention of Mr. Porter, as elected 
to supply his place. As he was the first Trustee of the Col- 
lege that died, and as he was a man every way worthy of some 
notice, we will refer the reader to some further account of 
him in the Appendix to Dr. Elliott's Life of Macurdy. * 



* " The Rev. John Black was a native of South Carolina, and was graduated 
at the College of New Jersey, in September, 1771, having entered the Junior 
Class half-advanced in May of the preceding year. He was licensed to 
preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Donegal, October 14th, 1773, and on 
the 22d of June, 1774, a call was presented to Presbytery for his minis- 
terial labors, from the congregation of Upper Marsh Creek, in York county. 
The next Fall, a call was prepared for him by the united congregations of 
Shearman's Valley, which he subsequently declined, when presonted. Hav- 
ing accepted the call from Upper Marsh Creek, he was ordained and installed 
the pastor of that church, August 15, 1775. In 1786, he was set off, with 
others, to form the Presbytery of Carlisle. 

" Some difficulties having arisen in his congregation, he applied to the 
Presbytery, on the 10th of April, 1792, to have the pastoral relation dissolved. 



64 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

The Trustees proceeded to draw up and adopt a set of rules 
and regulations for the government of the College. But as 
they are not materially different from those usually in force 
in public Institutions, we will not here transcribe them. We 
observe, under the chapter "of Dress," it is recommended to 
the students to be plain in their dress, but it is required of them 
always to appear neat, and cleanly ; and for any gross defi- 
ciency in this respect, it was made the duty of the College 
officers to admonish them. It was also recommended to every 
student of the college to possess a " Black Gown, " agreeably 



The Presbytery, after taking the necessary steps to have the congregation 
before them at their next meeting, adjourned to meet at Upper Marsh Creek 
on the 6th day of June following. At that meeting, the parties were present, 
and after some conference between them, Mr. Black informed the Presbytery 
that ' he had obtained such satisfaction as induced him to ask permission to 
withdraw his application for leave to resign his pastoral charge.' This 
request, tho Presbytery 'most cordially granted.' On the 5th of December, 
1793, however, he renewed his application to be released from his pastoral 
charge, which was granted at a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery, on 
the 10th of April, 1794. 

" From the time of his dismission from his pastoral charge, until tho year 
1800, he exorcised his ministry chiefly in a congregation of the Dutch 
Reformed Church, near to Hunterstown, in Adams county. His labors to 
them were very acceptable and useful, and he has been heard to say, that 
among that plain people, he experienced more pleasure, a,s a pastor, than in 
any former part of his ministry. He there found a docility — freedom ol 
spiritual communion, and confiding attachment, by which they were greatly 
endeared to him. With the reasons which induced him to leave them and 
romove to the "West, we are not acquainted. But on tho 9th of October, 
1800, he obtained a dismission from Carlisle Presbytery to connect himself 
with that of Redstone. With this latter Presbytery he was present as a 
corresponding member on the 21st of that same month, and upon the appli- 
cation of commissioners from the congregations of Unity and Greensburg, 
in which the Rev. AVilliam Speor afterwards settled, was appointed a stated 
supply to these congregations. He was, moreover, received as a member of 
■ the Presbytory of Redstone on the 24th of December, and continued as a 
stated supply to the congregations above named, until April 22d, 1802; when 
ho declined serving them any longer, and obtained leave to travel without 
the bounds of the Presbytory. It was but a short time, however, until he 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 65 

to a fashion prescribed by the faculty ; and to make bis 
appearance no where under two miles distant from the college 
without his gown. We have never heard whether this recom- 
mendation was attended to or not. We know, if it was, it 
fell early into entire neglect, and has, we believe, never been 
revived. The rules requiring and enforcing morals, and 
attendance upon religious worship, were strict, and were, no 
doubt, enforced. The punishments were wholly of a u.oral 
kind, addressed to the sense of duty, and the principles of 
honor and shame. There were stringent rules also against 
wearing women's clothes. How the modern fashion of shawls, 
now worn b\ many gentlemen, would have fared at Jefferson 
College, in those days, may be conjectured. The laws were 
severe also against secret clubs and combinations, &c, and 
against any annoyance to the people of the town, either as to 
their persons or their property. 

In the Spring of 1803, the Board elected the Rev. James 
Dunlap as Principal of the College, and successor of Mr. 
Watson, promising him £140 per annum, finding him also a 
house and garden, and he finding his own Tutors. And as 
Mr. Dunlap was thus removed from the Board to the Faculty, 
the Rev. Mr. Riddle, of the Associate Reformed church, was 
elected a trustee in his place. 



was called to his final reward. He died, August 16, 1802, in the triumphant 
exercise of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. On his death-bed, he requested 
his friends to sing the 17th Psalm, long metre, in Watts' version, ' Lord, I 
am thine, ' &c. While they were engaged in this exercise, he united with 
(hem in a manner which showed how fully his feelings were in harmony 
with the sentiments contained in this beautiful psalm. 

" He was a man of a high order of talent, an able disputant, and fond of 
metaphysical disquisitions. He published a discourse in favor of a New 
Testament Psalmody and in reply to the Kev. Dr. Anderson, of the Asso- 
ciate Church, which is said to have been written with much ability. 

" The Rev. John Black, D. D., deceased, late pastor of the Fifth Presby- 
terian Church, (N. S.) Pittsburgh, who died in Allegheny city, February 13, 
1847, was his grandson. " — Appendix to Elliott's Life ofMacurdy, p. 266. 

6* 



66 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

At their Fall meeting, in 1803, the Board passed an order 
" That any Trustee, upon his request, shall have any subscrip- 
tion paper, upon which he has collected money, inserted upon 
the Minutes of the Board, the names and sums collected. " 
This seems to us to have been wise and right ; but we are 
sorry to add that it was not of any avail. Had it been duly 
attended to, it would have been useful, in affording us much 
curious and entertaining information. Almost all the Trus- 
tees were more or less engaged, for many years after, in col- 
lecting funds for the college much on the same plan with that 
adopted by old Mr. Patterson. 

The graduates, that Fall, were Andreic M' Donald, Ci/rui 
Riggs, and Alexander Monieith, who all afterwards became 
ministers of the gospel. The Board also took measures to 
provide the Faculty with Black Gowns. Whether they pro- 
vided a dressing room, or wardrobe, we know not. Perhaps 
these black gowns were perquisites, which each member of 
the Faculty claimed as his own, and carried off in triumph 
upon resigning, or retiring from office. Had the gowns 
remained for successors, awkward fits in garments would have 
sometimes occurred; as when Dr. Muir, of Alexandria, a 
small man, made Dr. Speece, a tall man of sis feet, before he 
entered his pulpit, assume his silk gown, which fitted him 
somewhat like a hunting shirt. Students also were forbidden 
at this time to board at taverns, without express permission. 

The Franklin Society enrolled, for this year, (1803,) the 
Rev. James Patterson, Washington Robinson, John Marshall, 
George Crookham, Stephen Dod, Wm. Dunlap, John Canon, 
Hon. Jonathan Jennings, Angus Henderson, James Parkin- 
son, and Jonathan Cox. And the Philo Society report for 
this year, Samuel Culbertson, Rev. George Vaneman, William 
Ritchie, James Kerr, Isaac Vandyke, John Phillips, Wm. 
Donaldson, Rev. Daniel Stephens, Rev. Samuel Porter, James 
Galloway, Rev. John Reed, Rev. James Dinsmore, and Sim- 
kins Harriman. In these two lists there were several more 



THE ACADEMY BECOMING A COLLEGE. 67 

ministers than those designated, and several eminent physi- 
cians and lawyers. Indeed, hoth catalogues need many amend- 
ments throughout, to designate the future callings of their 
respective members. 

The new President, Dr. Dunlap, of whom some account 
will be found in the " Life of Macurdy " and " Old Redstone, " 
entered upon his important station with much to encourage 
him, in the prospects of the College. He had been long set- 
tled as a pastor in Dunlap' s Creek congregation, Fayette 
county, to which place he had removed from the bounds of 
the New Castle Presbytery, in 1782. He was a graduate of 
Princeton College, and had likewise been employed as Tutor, 
for a short time, in that Institution. He also gave instruction 
to a few young men, principally such as had the ministry in 
view, after his settlement at Dunlap's Creek. His acquain- 
tance with the classics was unusually accurate and extensive, 
and as a teacher of languages he excelled. He was about 
sixty years of age when he came to Canonsburg. He contin- 
ued to exercise his ministry at Miller's Run, five or six miles 
from the College, of which church he became pastor. He was 
somewhat recluse in his habits, of an amiable, cheerful spirit, 
but inclined to despondency. His person was small, his fea- 
tures pleasing, and his manners popular. His health was not 
very robust ; but his conscientious diligence in the discharge 
of his duties, secured him the respect and affection of the 
Trustees and students. We may have occasion to give some 
further account of him hereafter. A very large portion of 
the students, at that time, were pious, exemplary youths. A 
very extensive revival of religion, which had begun the pre- 
vious year, prevailed throughout Western Pennsylvania, and 
many of the students shared in its blessed influence. They 
were accustomed to go in considerable numbers, with the con- 
sent of the Faculty, to various places where communions were 
held, sometimes to the distance of ten and even twenty miles. 
There was much warmth, of piety among them. These excur- 



68 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

sions, in order to attend at " Sacraments, " (as such meetings, 
where the Lord's Supper was usually administered, were then 
commonly called,) the pious and serious young men performed 
on foot. Religious conversation, and sometimes singing of 
hymns, beguiled the way. Many and delightful were the 
reminiscences of these young brethren, through all their after 
lives, of those seasons of Christian fellowship and spiritual 
enjoyment. 



CHAPTEK IV. 

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 

Graduates of 1804 — Ross' Latin Grammar — Account of Boss — Book-case for 
the Societies ; reminiscences about it — Graduates of 1805 and 1806 — 
Presbyterian and Associate Presbyteries successfully appealed to for aid — 
Gen. Hamilton's success at Congress — Injunction of the Board upon Drs. 
M'Millan and Dunlap — Graduates of 1808 — First communication from 
Board of Washington College; result — Dr. Ralston chosen President of 
Board — Dr. Murdock's Report about conference with Washington Com- 
mittee — Graduates of 1809 — State of Finances — Death and Character 
of Judge M'Dowell — Trustees' rule for order of procession at commence- 
ment — Description of an " Exhibition, " or College Commencement, in 
" old times. " 

There is little of any special interest to relate, in regard to 
the history of the College during this and the following year. 
The Trustees gave to President Dunlap the use and benefit 
of the lot connected with the old stone edifice, and ten pounds, 
in addition to his salary, in lieu of the house rent and garden, 
and passed an order again, that no student should board at a 
tavern ; and another that no student shall continue at college 
who is two quarters in arrears. Judge M'Dowell was elected 
President of the Board. The graduates, in the Fall of 1804, 
were Daniel Stephens, who afterwards became an Episcopal 
minister, was for a few years a neighbor of the writer, in 
Staunton, Virginia, whence he removed to the West ; a man 
of quiet, blameless life, and much esteemed by his people ; 
John M' Donald, afterwards a member of the Pittsburgh bar ; 
John White, and Clement Valandinyham, a minister of the 
gospel, who lived and labored many years in New Lisbon, 
Ohio, where he died, greatly beloved and regreted by a people, 

(69) 



70 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

among whom his ministerial labors had been eminently suc- 
cessful. The Board also elected the Rev. James Hughes, 
and the Rev. William Swann, trustees in the place of the Rev. 
Messrs. Power and MTherrin, resigned. The price of tui- 
tion, at this time, was fixed at six pounds per annum. About 
this period, Ross' Latin Grammar was introduced. James 
Kerr, Esq., a trustee, who was also a representative of Wash- 
ington county in the State Legislature, had brought out with 
him four dozen of these Grammars, then but recently pub- 
lished ; and the Trustees took tbem off his hands, to be sold 
to the students. It was then, and for many years after, con- 
sidered the best Grammar extant, greatly in advance of all 
its predecessors, as a useful manual for boys, beginning the 
study of the Latin language. Brooke's edition of it, we 
believe, is still in use. The author, James Ross, was a grad- 
uate of Princeton College, in the Fall of 1766 — was a good 
classical scholar. His talents lay all in that direction, and 
he became a prodigy of pedagogical learning, though his 
knowledge of Mathematics and the moral and metaphysical 
sciences was but slender. Like the celebrated Rosseau, he 
never could clearly comprehend some of the simplest propo- 
sitions in Euclid, and it was with some difficulty he succeeded 
in obtaining a degree of A. B., though he was, in after life, 
honored with the title of LL. D. He was a classmate of 
the Rev. Dr. Power, from whom we had the above account. 
He became an eminent teacher of the dead languages, * and 
in this vocation he continued till he was advanced in years, 
and old age disqualified him for his useful profession. But 
though of an obtuse mind for other branches of learning, he 
was pre-eminent as a linguist. We remember to have seen 
him when he was probably eighty years of age, at the first 
church in Philadelphia, of which Dr. Wilson was then pastor. 

* He was, for many years, a Professor in the University of Philadelphia. 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 71 

His seat was in the gallery ; and before him he had fixed, on 
a little shelf, attached to the parapet or breastwork of the gal- 
lery, nearly a dozen of books — a Greek Testament, a Hebrew 
Bible, Concordance, Lexicons, &c. When the Doctor 
announced his text, which happened to be, " Come unto me 
all ye that labor, " &c, Mr. Ross immediately took his Greek 
Testament, turned to the passage, and seemed for some time 
to be earnestly studying it. Such was the man who wrote 
the Latin Grammar that was long used at Jefferson College. 
In the Spring of 1805, the Trustees fixed the length of the 
vacations at three weeks in the Spring, and four in the Fall. 
They also ordered that the Principal or Professor of Divinity, 
at every Commencement, should hereafter deliver an address 
to the graduates, or procure a clergyman to do it. Dr. 
M'Millan was then elected Vice-Principal of the College. 
Messrs. Marquis and Macurdy were authorized to procure 
donations for the Institution. Dr. Samuel Murdock was 
elected a trustee, in place of the Hon. Wm. Findley, resigned ; 
and the Rev. John Anderson, in place of the Rev. Mr. Riddle. 
Dr. Dunlap's salary was raised to two hundred pounds, he still 
finding and paying his assistant. And, if we may note so 
small a matter, eighteen Windsor chairs were procured for 
the use of the Board and Faculty. Probably stout benches, 
with straddling legs, served their turn up to this date. The 
Literary Societies, at the Fall meeting, (1805,) petitioned 
the Board for charters, and a place in the College building 
for their libraries and book-cases. Whereupon it was ordered, 
" That the said societies, viz : Franklin and Philo, be recog- 
nized as such, and that their respective Constitutions, as they 
now exist, shall be the Constitutions of said societies ; and 
that a majority of either of said societies, adhering to their 
constitutions, shall retain the original name of the respective 
society ; and that the Libraries of said societies are hereby 
taken under the care and patronage of the Board. " The 
Board also appointed a committee to procure a double book- 



72 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

case for these societies, to be placed in one end of the upper apart- 
meut of the College. Well do we remember that old Book 
Case, and what we then regarded its inexhaustible treasures 
of wisdom and learning. At this day it would cut rather a 
ridiculous figure beside many a country minister's library, not 
to speak of the widely expanded and groaning shelves of the 
libraries of these societies now. 

The graduates of the Fall of 1805 were James Wilson, 
afterwards the Rev. James Wilson, D. D., a very eminent 
minister of the Reformed Presbyterian body ; John Trevor, 
James Wilts, James Patterson, afterwards an eminent and 
successful Presbyterian minister in the Northern Liberties of 
Philadelphia — a man of great worth and usefulness ; Daniel 
Hay den, James Scott, Moses Allen, afterwards an excellent and 
useful minister, settled first at Muddy Creek, Green county, 
then at Raccoon, and during the last years of his life, at Crab- 
apple, Ohio, — son-in-law of Dr. M'Millan ; Carlos A. Norton, 
James Galloway, James M' Conndl, and James Cinuiinyham, a 
Presbyterian minister, who died a few years ago in Ohio. The 
Trustees appointed Messrs. Ritchie and Murdock to prepare 
and forward to the Legislature a petition for the purpose of 
obtaining assistance in lands and money ; and also to transmit 
to Gen. Hamilton, then in Congress, an account of the state of 
the College, for the purpose of aiding him in soliciting dona- 
tions. The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the 
Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, Samuel Ralston", and James 
Ramsey, and on Dr. Samuel Murdock, and Prof. Samuel Mil- 
ler. The petition to the Legislature proved successful. A 
donation of three thousand dollars to the College was the result. 
The Trustees met, March 27, 1806, in order to dispose of this 
pecuniary aid to their funds, and passed an order to lend the 
money to individuals, in sums not less than $200, nor more 
than $600, to any one person, and appointed Messrs. Allison, 
Ritchie and Murdock, a committee for this purpose. At their 
April meeting, Judge M'Dowell was again elected President 



HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 73 

of the Board, Dr. Samuel Murdock, Secretary, Craig Ritchie, 
Esq., Treasurer. Mr. Miller's salary was fixed permanently 
at $400, and Mr. Dunlap's salary advanced. At their Sep- 
tember meeting, they conferred the degree of A. B. upon Mr. 
James Scott, of New York, and on Messrs. Reed, Leslie, and 
Hunt. The two last afterwards became ministers of the gos- 
pel, the last a Presbyterian minister, for several years pastor 
of the Second Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, and, after 
his removal to Ohio, he was pastor, for many years, of the 
congregation of Two-Ridges, Jefferson county. Here he 
ended, a few years ago, his long and useful life — George Vane- 
man, also, afterwards a Presbyterian minister, and believed 
to be still living in Ohio. 

We now enter upon the sixth year of this first College of 
the West. The whole western country began now to be dotted 
over with her alumni. They were found in all the learned 
professious, and in Agricultural and Commercial life; in 
Courts of Justice, and in Legislative Halls. But her useful 
career was only just begun. When the Trustees met in April, 
1807, the same officers of the Board were re-elected. The 
first matter of inquiry was in regard to an order of the Board, 
made last year, respecting an application for pecuniary assis- 
tance to the Presbyteries of Bedstone, Ohio, and Chartiers. 
This last was the name of the Presbytery of the Associate 
body, or Scceders. It appeared that the application was favor- 
ably entertained, and strongly recommended by these Presby- 
teries to the congregations under their care. Gen. Hamilton 
also reported the success of an address sent to Washington 
City for pecuniary aid ; and paid into the treasury two hun- 
dred and ten dollars, which, although given for the purpose 
of building a college, could, in the meantime, be appropria- 
ted to defray the current expenses of the College. Mr. Dun- 
lap was, on his application, permitted to retain $100, which 
he had borrowed, a while longer, without interest, on condi- 
tion that he would continue as Principal, His application for 
7 



74 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

increase of salary failed, no doubt from the financial embarrass- 
ments of the College. A committee was appointed to explain 
to him the situation of the funds, &c, and strive to convince 
him of the necessity the Board was under to refuse his request ; 
and also to require from him an explicit answer, whether, and 
how long, he will serve as Principal of the College, with the 
present salary. 

The Principal and Professor of Divinity were required in 
teaching, each, in their respective classes, to cause their stu- 
dents, as they proceeded in their studies, to write dissertations 
" on the most striking things immediately connected with their 
subjects. " Here was certainly something rather singular, so 
far as the Professor of Divinity, Dr. M'Millan, was concerned. 
It is true, he had been appointed by the Trustees of the Col- 
lege, as their Professor. And that itself seems to us, in these 
days, queer. That a Board, though consisting partly of min- 
isters — always a minority, however — a Board appointed and 
incorporated by the Legislature — a secular body, a close cor- 
poration, under no ecclesiastical control, should dictate and 
prescribe to a man who was engaged in the discharge of one 
of the highest and most solemn ecclesiastical functions, the 
way in which they would require him to fulfill the duties of 
his office, sounds very strangely in our ears. Dr. M'Millan 
was also, at this time, in some sense, a quasi-Professor of 
Divinity, by the appointment of the Synod of Virginia, and 
by the recognition of the Presbyteries of Ohio and Redstone. * 



*Even so late as October 5, 1821, the Synod of Pittsburgh recognized Dr. 
M'Millan as Professor of Theology in Jefferson College, and took measures 
to enlarge the Theological Library under his care, as appears by the follow- 
ing minute, on page 178 of Printed Minutes: 

" Whereas, it appears to this Synod that a number of promising young 
men, who are setting their faces towards the gospel ministry, are not in cir- 
cumstances to attend the Theological Seminary at Princeton — Therefore 
Resolved, that this Synod take measured for procuring a library for the 
benefit of such, to be under the control and direction of this Synod. That 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 75 

But such strange things were not without precedents, in those 
times. The Trustees of Princeton College had, long before, 
appointed a Professor of Divinity as one of their Faculty. 
And so to this day do the Trustees of Harvard University 
and of Yale College. And if trustees may appoint such Pro- 
fessors, they may rightfully claim to instruct them in their 
duties. But we suspect there are few Presbyterians of this 
da} : , who would tolerate such an arrangement. Perhaps, 
however, in the case under consideration, the real object was 
to get the Principal of the College to attend to this matter ; 
and then to take off the repulsive feature of their order, by 
requiring the same thing of Dr. M'Millan. Dr. Dunlap would 
not take offence by their approaching him in this way. He 
was a very sensitive man, easily wounded, and apt to take 
offence, as will hereafter appear ; though a devotedly pious 
and eminently learned man. 

Mr. Dunlap declared, as the committee reported, he had no 
design of leaving the College. 

Messrs. Ralston, Hughes and Murdock, were appointed a 
committee to prepare an Address to the Public, concerning 
the present state of the College, and the views of the Board, 
in regard to the erection of a new and more capacious edifice. 
They had, during the preceding year, discussed the subject ; 
and it was mainly with a view to this they had communicated 
with the ecclesiastical bodies around them, and had even 
pledged themselves to each other to raise money by subscrip- 
tion ; having determined, as soon as funds could be secured, 
to raise at least the new shell of a college, large enough to 
contain one hundred students. But no considerable progress 
had yet been made, though something had been done; and 



it be recommended to every member to solicit books or moneys, for this 
important purpose, and that this library be located at present in the edifice 
of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, and placed under the care of the Rev. 
John M'Millan, D. D., Professor of Theology in that Seminary. " 



76 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

perhaps they felt, from what they had ascertained respecting 
the feelings and wishes of the public on the subject, encour- 
aged and assured of ultimate success. The committee above 
mentioned were instructed to address the public through the 
newspapers. At this time, also, they took upon themselves* 
to provide assistant teachers, and to pay them, both of which 
things they had heretofore devolved upon the Principal. 

In September, the following persons were admitted to the 
degree of A. B., viz. : James Culbertson, afterwards a dis- 
tinguished Presbyterian minister, who was one of the pioneers 
of the gospel in Ohio, who labored for many years in Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, where, a few years ago, he died, greatly lamented ; 
Joseph Stevenson, who also became a very efficient and suc- 
cessful minister, a son-in-law of the Rev. Thos. Marquis, and 
settled, for many years, near Springfield, Ohio ; John Matthews, 
a minister of the gospel also, we believe, settled, at one time, 
in the bounds of the Presbytery of Erie, and afterwards, 
somewhere in the West; and Wm. Dunlap, of Virginia. 
This last person was probably a son of the President of the 
College, who, as a minister of the gospel, was settled at Abing- 
don, near Philadelphia, where he died, comparatively young. 
At his house, his father died, a few years before him. The 
Rev. Messrs. Swan and James Hughes were also admitted to 
the degree of A. M. 

At this meeting, a matter was introduced to the attention 
of the Board, which, at various intervals, employed and agi- 
tated them for more than ten years afterwards, the effects of 
which are felt to this day. For a communication was received 
from the Washington College Board, intimating that they had 
appointed a committee to confer with a committee from the 
Jefferson College Board, if such a committee should be 
appointed, for the purpose of devising a plan for the union 
of the two Institutions. Messrs. Ralston, M'Dowell, Hamil- 
ton, and Murdoch, were accordingly appointed a Committee 
to meet the Committee from Washington, and nin^ ~^ort a-( 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 77 

the next meeting of the Board. Any two of the committee 
were authorized to act, in the absence of the others. An 
application was directed to be made by a committee, appointed 
for that purpose, to the next Legislature, praying that an 
alteration be made in the charter of the College, making nine 
instead of eleven members, a quorum. A committee was also 
appointed to make and enforce regulations for keeping the 
College clean, and to have it washed out, at least twice a year, 
defraying the expenses out of College funds. Another 
address to the public was ordered in behalf of the Institution ; 
and Messrs. Ralston, Ramsey and Murdock were appointed a 
committee for that purpose. Perhaps this was merely a 
renewal of an order passed at their Spring meeting, which had 
not yet been attended to. It is manifest that neither at this 
time, nor in after years, did they suffer communications from 
Washington to interrupt their efforts for enlarging their Col- 
lege and extending their building accommodations. 

During the next meeting, in April, 1808, Dr. Ralston was 
chosen President of the Board, an office to which he was 
afterwards annually elected for nearly forty years ! Gren. 
Morgan, also, who had been previously elected, was now duly 
qualified, and took his seat as a trustee. Dr. M'Millan was 
appointed Treasurer, to receive and lend out an} r money 
bequeathed to the College for the purpose of educating poor 
and pious youth. 

Dr. Murdock, from the committee appointed to meet the 
committee from Washington College, to confer about a union 
of the two Institutions, reported — 

(i That upon meeting with the Washington committee, a 
desultory conversation took place upon the business in question, 
which finally resulted in the following specific propositions : 

" 1st. It was proposed by the gentlemen from Washington, 

that the whole number of members from each Board should 

meet,. and by a joint vote should determine on the seat of the 

United Institution. This was objected to by your committee, 

7* 



78 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. . 

because a number of the Trustees of "Washington College lived 
contiguous to their present seat, and were locally interested 
in retaining it there, whereas the number of members in this 
situation, with respect to Jefferson College, was very small 
in comparison. 

" 2d. It was proposed by your committee that all the mem 
bers belonging to the respective Boards, whom it be supposed 
from the places where they lived, were locally interested, should 
be set aside, and the remaining members, by a joint vote, fix 
upon the future seat of the Institution. This was objected to. 

" 3d. It was proposed by the gentlemen from Washington to 
exclude all their members actually residing in the town of 
"Washington, whose number amounted to at least seven or 
eight, and exclude an equal number from this Board. But 
they alone must be the judges whom of our number to 
exclude. This was objected to by your committee, chiefly 
on this ground ; because a number of members belonging to 
this Board agreed with them as to the future seat of the 
Institution, and was disposed to fix it at Washington. If this 
were a fact, it was injustice to give such an advantage. And, 
indeed, whether it was so or not, your committee thought it 
unreasonable that our opponents should be the exclusive 
judges who of our number should vote and who not, on this 
important question. Finally, your committee thought it rea- 
sonable to propose that all the members constituting the 
Boards of both Institutions should agree to set aside any of 
their number who were locally interested as to their dwelling 
places; and if a greater number of one Board were thus 
excluded, the members of the other Board were alone to judge 
who of their members to exclude, so as to make the number 
of both who were to vote on the question, equal. This pro- 
posal, without any reasons satisfactory to your committee, 
was also rejected." 

Thus the conference ended. The Board approved of the 
conduct of their committee, and at the same time expressed 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 79 

their regret that the object for which the committee was 
appointed was not obtained, recording, however, their willing- 
ness, at all times, to express their hearty desire that a union 
of the Institutions should be effected, if it can be done on 
liberal and equitable principles. 

In the fall, the Rev. John Anderson resigned his seat as 
a trustee, and the Rev. Wm. M'Millan was elected in his 
place. The students admitted to the degree of A. B. were 
Stephen Boyer, afterwards a Presbyterian minister, settled at 
Little York, where he died some years ago ; Joseph S. Hughes, 
afterwards an eloquent and useful minister, settled at Dela- 
ware, Ohio. He was the son of the Rev. James Hughes, and 
grandson of the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo ; James 
Smith, and Ira Condit, afterwards ministers. The degree of 
D. D. was conferred on the Rev. James Power, of West- 
moreland county, Pa., and the Rev. John Anderson, of 
Beaver county, Pa., (Seceder.) Dr. Dunlap, the Principal, 
asked for the appointment of another Professor. But the 
Board, deeming it inconvenient, no doubt from the state of 
the finances of the College, to comply with this request, 
appointed a committee to assist in arranging the classes and 
studies, in such a manner as to lighten the burden of the 
Tutors. Drs. M'Millan and Dunlap, and Messrs. Ramsey, 
Ritchie and Murdoch, were appointed a committee to receive 
any poor and pious youth, and admit them to the benefit of 
the funds placed in the hands of the Trustees for that purpose. 

At a regular meeting of the Trustees, in April, 1809, it 
was found that the funds of the College, at the disposal of 
the trustees, consisted — 

1st. Of a donation of the State, at interest, - - $8,000 
2d. The price of land bequeathed by the Rev. Mr. Clarke, 1,600 
3d. Money in the hands of Mr. Snowden, of Philadel- 
phia, at interest, ------ 1,300 

4th. Money at interest in the country, - 1,290 

Making in all the sum of $7,190 



80 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Dr. M'Millan, Judge Allison, Craig Ritchie, and Dr. Mur- 
dock, were appointed a committee to lend out the money 
arising from Mr. and Mrs. Clarke's estate. A complaint was 
entered that too much time was allowed the students for 
recreation, &c, and it was ordered that in future, besides the 
usual time of vacation between the sessions, there shall not, 
for any purpose, be allowed by the Professors more than ten 
days in the year; for example, one day in each month. It 
is left with the faculty to fix the particular days. 

A communication was received, at the Fall meeting of the 
Board, from Isaac Kerr, Register, intimating that John 
M'Dowell, Esq., in his last will and testament, had bequeathed 
fifty dollars to the Institution, payable at Mrs. M'Dowell's 
death. * The Rev. Mr. Porter was authorized to call on the 



* There is no particular minute made in the Records of the Board, -shell 
the seat of this great and good man was vacated by death. Judge John 
M'Dotrell left few men superior to him, when he was called to his rest. He 
is bolieved to have been born in York county, Pa., about 1737. He probably 
removed to the West, near the beginning of the American Revolution, and 
settled in the bounds of Chartiers Congregation, Washington county, of 
which he became a ruling elder; and was eminent for his piety and active 
efforts in the cause of Christ. His strong mind and great integrity of char- 
acter secured to him, at an early period, the appointment of Associate Judge, 
in Washington county. Ho was one of the most efficient men in getting up 
the Academy at Canonsburg, and was one of the trustees from the first. 
After the College obtained a charter, he succeeded Judge Edgar as President 
of the Board, to which office ho was chosen April 27, 1803, and thencefor- 
ward for four successiv-o years. Ho died August 12, 1809, in tho 73d yoar 
of his ago. On his tombstone are the following lines : 

" Sleep, sacred earth ; but thou shalt soon arise ! 
Dust turns to dust ; but virtue never dies ; 
M'Dowell lives ; blest in immortal youth, 
Who lived while here, the advocate of truth. 
Firm in the cause of God, he held to view 
A character sublime, yet humble, too; 
God's word his guide, ho bent his eagle flight 
On faith's strong pinions, to the realms of light. 
' ! death, where is thy sting ; 
! grave, where is thy victory.' " 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 81 

executors of John Baird, Esq., of Westmoreland county, and 
obtain any money left by him for the use of the College. 
The persons admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts were — 
Joseph Scroggs, who afterwards became a minister in the 
Secession church, and is now pastor of a church in Ligonier 
Valley, Westmoreland county; James Milligan, (who became, 
we believe, a minister in the Keformed Presbyterian body,) 
and Christopher Rankin. The degree of D. D. was conferred 
on the Rev. Joseph Clarke, of New Brunswick; and the 
degree of A. M., on the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Porter, Wm. 
Dunlap, Alexander Monteith, and Jonathan Leslie. Mr. Thos. 
Briceland was elected a trustee to fill the vacancy, by the death 
of Judge M'Dowell. At this time, it was deemed expedient 
by the Board to settle the order of procession on commence- 
ment day ; and they adopted the following, viz : " That the 
Trustees and Faculty meet at the house of Craig Ritchie, Esq., 
(now owned and occupied by James M'Cullough, Esq.,) that 
the students shall assemble in front of the same house, and 
that they walk two and' two, according to their respective 
classes, after the Trustees and Faculty, in the following order : 
The President of the Board in front, then the Secretary and 
Treasurer, clergy, and other members of the Board, two and 
two ; then the Faculty, and the procession to be brought up 
by the tutor or tutors." This arrangement continued in force 
for many years. Those Commencement days were great 
events in College life ; and that procession, with Dr. Ralston 
at its head, and Dr. Murdock and Craig Ritchie, Esq., just 
behind him, — all three very portly gentlemen — and then 
brought up by the trustees, faculty and students — the stu- 
dents generally powdered, and sporting flaunting blue or white 
ribbons on their arms or coat breasts — appeared to the young 
students awfully sublime. The slow and solemn tread of the 
procession, away up the middle of the street, if the walking 
was good, surrounded by an immense assembly of the people, 
who had been for hours before pouring in from the surround- 



82 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

ing country, the sound of the violin at the taverns which 
were passed, the neighing of horses, far and near, the hum 
of the human voice in all directions, the merry laugh, and the 
loud giggle, all combined to throw upon the scene an exciting 
interest, and to make many a young heart delirious with joy 
and gladness. The younger students, the Freshmen espe- 
cially, thought that day and place the most delightful and 
attractive in all the world. It was a full compensation for 
wearisome hours of study, and for the dull, jog-trot pace of 
ordinary college life. On went the procession, up street, past 
Dr. Murdock's and Neil's corners, and past the crowds about 
Wistby's and Emory's taverns, and past Mrs. Canon's beau- 
tiful yard, and old Mr. Robert's store and post office,* till 
it reached the gate, in front of the old stone College, then 
wheeled to the left, at right angles, through the gate, and on 
through the yard, and up the outside steps, on the upper side 
of the old building, and landed, and disbanded, in the second 
story ; the Trustees and Faculty scrambling through a front 
window, from which the sash had been removed, on to the 
stage. Over that window, however, and extending over the 
lower end of the stage, was a tent, of white sheets, making a 
small room of about ten- feet square. From this room was 
the entrance, or rather the exit, on to the other part of the 
stage. This stage or platform was about twelve or fifteen feet 
wide, and extended the whole length of the college building, 
in front, and about eight feet from the ground, covered with 
a substantial rag carpet. Here were the Trustees and Faculty 
seated, with their backs to the college wall, and their faces 
to the gathering throng that was fast filling the front yard of 
the college, back to the gate, through which the procession 
had just passed. After all the Board were seated, the Presi- 
dent of the Board rose, and said, in a loud and distinct voice, 



* We purposely mention old names and places, as thoy will serve to renew 
pleasant reminiscences in the minds of old people. 



HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE FROM 1804. 83 

" Let us pray." All rose, and great silence and order pre- 
vailed, while the short but appropriate prayer was made. 
Then began the business of the day. At this moment, we 
believe, it was customary to announce the names of those on 
whom they had conferred the degree of A, B., and of those 
who received the first and second honors ; and then was men- 
tioned the order of their speaking. Programmes had not yet 
come into use. Then the exercises of the graduates began. 
These sometimes took up the first part of the day ; sometimes, 
only an hour or two. Then followed the speeches and dia- 
logues of the under-graduates. There was often much fun 
and amusement in these exercises. Various dramatis per- 
sona: — soldiers, clowns, sailors, drunkards, pedlars, negroes, 
&c, &c, were introduced in their appropriate costumes. Some- 
times an Act or two from Shakspeare's " Merchant of Venice" 
or " Julius Caesar," or Addison's "Cato," would be exhibited. 
These dialogues were interspersed with single speeches ; some 
serious, and some ludicrous. The people would roar with 
laughter, and even the old trustees would unbend themselves 
to many a hearty and healthy laugh. About one-third of the 
audience would be seated. The rest were standing. If the 
day was fine, it was full of mirth and enjoyment to the young 
people of all the country round. There was not much refine- 
ment of manners in those times. The whole affair was 
adapted to the state of society ; and, for a period in the his- 
tory of the college, was really of much advantage to its 
interests. It made the College popular. It awakened a desire, 
in many a lad, to go to college. And though such a feeling 
was rather of a low birth, it led to better things. Let us not, 
in these times of greater improvement and refinement, despise 
these old-fashioned times and ways. The first Exhibition, as 
it was then called, we ever witnessed, was in the fall of 1812. 
It was a glorious day. Every thing above and around con- 
spired to make the scene joyous and exciting. Yet it is a 
solemn thought that few who witnessed and enjoyed that day, 



84 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

are now among us. Not a single Trustee or member of the 
Faculty is now living. Those throngs of gay young ladies 
and young country farmers are now in the silent grave, or are 
frosted with advancing age. Their children and grand-chil- 
dren now fill their places, and crowd Providence Hall on Com- 
mencement clays — soon to yield their places to another gene- 
ration, who will, perhaps, enjoy many a jest, at the expense 
of the old fashioned ways of the present race. Indeed, there 
is one feature of our present Commencement days, that the 
writer is, perhaps, such an inveterate old fogy, as to disrelish. 
We refer to the brass-band accompaniment. We would much 
prefer the music of a piano, or of a bass-viol, violin and Ger- 
man flute, with vocal music, if it could be secured — as more 
in unison with the exercises of the day, and with the refine- 
ment and dignity of a Literary Institution. The brass-band 
is too loud and military in its character ; and, in our view, 
throws a coarse, vulgar element into the whole scene. 






CHAPTER V. 

NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 

Dr. Dunlap and the Board — Graduates of 1S10 — Dr. Dunlap resigns — Grad- 
uates of 1811 and 1812 — Dr. Wylie elected Principal — About Ezekiel 
Hannah's will — Graduates of 1813, 1814 and 1815 — New negotiations with 
tho Board of Washington College — Various conferences — Final failure in 
attempt to unite the colleges — Much sharp shooting, on both sides, but 
none killed, and few wounded — Reflections on the whole case — Rev. R. 
Johmton, a trustee for seventeen years — Sketch of his life — Dr. Wylie 
resigns — Dr. Win. M'Millan succeeds.him — Dr. Matthew Brown — Remark- 
ablo circumstances connected with his election. 

When the Board met in April, 1810, the same officers were 
continued, viz : Dr. Ralston, President ; Dr. Murdock, Sec* 
retary; and Craig Ritchie, Esq., Treasurer. A letter was 
received from Dr. Dunlap, intimating his determination to 
resign his office as Principal of the College, at the next fall 
sessions of the Board. In this communication it was stated 
that if reasons were required, they would be given. Being 
called upon by the Board to state them, his answer was that, 
though weighty, he was not then altogether prepared to give 
them, but designed to communicate them along with his resig- 
nation in the fall. However, being urged to mention them 
now, as it might be too late to be of any service in the fall, 
he consented, and said that there ought either to be a new 
house, or the old one kept in better repair; that the Board 
generally, and some trustees particularly, had found fault with 
him for not attending closely enough to the business of the 
College ; that the Board had insulted him, some time ago, by 
taking the power of employing an under teacher of the lan- 
guages out of his hands, and reserving it to themselves ; and 
finally, that his salary was too small. A committee was 
8 (85) 



86 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

appointed to confer with him, and to strive to remove his 
difficulties. Messrs. Moore, Hamilton and Allison, the com- 
mittee appointed for this purpose, reported that they had a 
free conversation with the Principal, and that all his difficul- 
ties were in a great measure removed, except that of salary, 
and they conceived that some arrangement might be made as 
to this point. Dr. M'Millan was added to the committee, 
and they were sent back to lay before Dr. Dunlap a statement 
of the finances, and remove his misconceptions concerning 
them. But their report was that the Doctor peremptorily 
refused to continue longer, unless his salary was increased. 
This the Board decided to be inexpedient under the present 
circumstances of the College. An extra-meeting in June was 
appointed to take into consideration the securing of a succes- 
sor to Mr. Dunlap. And the Clerk was directed to notify 
absent members of this meeting. When this meeting took 
place, a letter was received from Dr. Dunlap, reiterating his 
design of resigning his charge, and asking for the loan of 
some money. They agreed to lend him $ 600, to be refunded 
by three annual installments, with interest. The Board being 
informed that, besides the reasons which Dr. Dunlap had 
given, at the last meeting, for his intention of resigning, a 
rule passed September, 1807, by the Board, requiring the 
Principal and Professor of Divinity to observe a certain mode 
in teaching their respective classes, aggrieved him much, 
refused, nevertheless, to repeal their former action on this 
subject. Upon its being intimated that Dr. Dunlap would be 
content to continue, if another teacher of languages were 
employed to assist him, they voted, however, that this was 
inexpedient and unnecessary, at this time. A committee 
consisting of Messrs. Hughes, Marquis, Ramsey and Swan ; 
was appointed to wait on Dr. Dunlap, and after stating to him 
the above resolutions, to request of him to give his final deter- 
mination as to his resignation. Upon their interview with 
him, he declared that he had not understood the rule respect- 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 87 

ing the mode of teaching, above referred to, and was sorry for 
it ; and that he was now satisfied with the action of the Board, 
and recalled his notice of resignation. * At the fall meeting, 
the following persons were admitted to the degree of A. B., 
viz : Andrew Wylie, afterwards a minister of the gospel, 
and successively President of Jefferson and Washington Col- 
leges, and Indiana University; James Kerr, afterwards an 
eminent physician, residing for many years in Claysville, now 
in Jefferson or Clarion county, Pa. ; John Reed, afterwards a 
minister of the gospel, settled at Indiana, Pa., where he died: 
James Hervey, afterwards the Rev. James Hervey, D. D., 
an able and distinguished minister of the gospel, settled near 
Wheeling; William Hendricks, a distinguished lawyer and 
United States Senator ; Wm. Johnston, afterwards a very use- 
ful minister, settled at Dunlap's Creek, Pa.; John Canon t 
and Robert Lush, ministers of the Reformed Presbyterian 
church; and Jonathan Gill. Several matters of minor inter- 
est were transacted by the Board, but nothing of special con- 
cern, bearing upon the general character of the College. 

At the meeting of the Board, April 25, 1811, the same 
jfiicers were re-elected. Dr. Dunlap insisting upon the 



* Let it not be supposed that the above account reflects unfavorably upon 
T>r. Dunlap. We must remember that this account is ex parte — taken from 
the Records of the Trustees. Again, there is no doubt that Dr. Dunlap's 
circumstances were those of almost pinching poverty. He had come to the 
rescue of the college during a period -when it was almost threatened with 
extinction. He had stood by it through the most trying period of its history. 
He had nobly discharged his duty, and aided most efficiently, in bearing 
the college onward in its course ; while, all this time, he was receiving a 
very inadequate support. He bad also a small but very pious congregation, 
that loved him, and urged hiin not to leave them. Several of the trus- 
tees, including Dr. M'Millan, wero anxious that he would not now withdraw 
from their service. But old ago was advancing apace, and he felt, that after 
all his past sacrifices, he had a right to have some of his difficulties removed, 
and his support increased. Without a knowledge of all these things, the 
reader of the above account might bo liable to form a wrong judgment about 
that worthy old sorvant of God. 



08 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

appointment of another teacher, and increase of his own 
salary, both of which being refused, tendered his resignation, 
which was accepted. Dr. M'Millan, the Vice-Principal, was 
entrusted with the administration and empowered to employ 
teachers, and $226 67 were appropriated out of the College 
funds to meet his expenses, in securing the necessary assis- 
tance during the Summer session. They also appointed a 
meeting in June, to take into consideration the choice of a 
Principal. James Mountain, Esq., who had been elected in 
place of Mr. Vance, at the last meeting, was present, and 
being duly sworn, took his seat as a Trustee. At the June 
meeting, a petition was received from Miller's Run Congrega- 
tion, praying the Board to re-appoint Dr. Dunlap as Principal 
of the College. A motion was then made, and carried, to 
postpone the choice of a Principal till the fall meeting. 

At the fall meeting, September 24th, the committee who 
had been appointed to examine the graduates, reported in 
favor of conferring the degree of A. B. on James Wright, 
afterwards a Presbyterian minister ; George M' Cook, after- 
wards a distinguished physician, now residing in Pittsburgh; 
and James Mitchell. Their report was accepted and adopted. 
Dr. M'Millan was again instructed to contract for teachers, 
as he had done last session, until a Principal should be cho- 
sen ; and he was empowered to draw $450 out of the College 
funds to defray expenses. The Rev. Wm. Wylie was elected 
trustee, in place of Mr. Porter, resigned. A committee was 
also appointed to draft an Address to the State Legislature, 
praying for a donation to the College. 

At the April meeting, in 1812, Dr. Andrew Wylie was 
elected Principal of the College by the Board, having eleven 
votes from the fifteen members present. Mr. Wylie was sent 
for, and being notified of his election, declared his acceptance 
of the office. Dr. Wylie' s salary was fixed at the same amount 
that Dr. Dunlap received, which was $583 33, he paying his 
teachers out of it. In September, the committee that had 






NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 89 

been appointed to examine the graduates, reported in favor 
of the following, viz : Wells Andrews, afterwards a Presby- 
terian minister, first settled in Alexandria, Va., and after- 
wards in the West; Joseph M'Elroy, afterwards Rev. Joseph 
M'Elroy, D. J)., of New York; and James Coe, a highly 
esteemed Presbyterian minister in Ohio, lately deceased. 
They were accordingly admitted to the degree of A. B. 

Whereas it appeared that the late Rev. John Brice had 
left sundry legacies for the use of Jefferson College, the Trus- 
tees, considering the peculiar circumstances of the case, unani- 
mously relinquished them for the sole benefit and use of said 
testator's widow and children, their heirs and assigns. The 
degree of A. M. was conferred on the Rev. Joseph S. Hughes. 

In the Spring of 1813, the Board, at their April meeting, 
conferred the degree of A. B. upon George Miller, formerly 
of this College. He was a son of Professor Miller ; and as 
he was appointed, or about to be appointed, an Army or Naval 
Surgeon, it is probable that this circumstance accounts for 
the irregularity of the time when he graduated. A classical 
book, called " Collectanea Grseca Minora," was ordered to be 
introduced and read in the College ; and " Lucian's Dialogues" 
dispensed with. It was left optional with the Principal to 
continue or dispense with " Xenophon's Cyropaedia." Pro- 
fessor Miller was requested to instruct his class in the princi- 
ples of Chemistry. The examining committee, in September, 
reported in favor of John Monteith, afterwards a Presbyterian 
minister in New York and Ohio ; Archibald Johnston, after- 
wards a Covenanter minister of extraordinary oratorical pow- 
ers, who lived but a short time ; James Rowland, a Presby- 
terian minister, settled at Mansfield, Ohio ; Jeremiah Wilcox, 
and George Junkin, afterwards Rev. G-eorge Junkin, D. D., 
a man of great energy, talents and usefulness, President, suc- 
cessively, of La Fayette College, Pa., Miami University, Ohio, 
and now of Washington College, Lexington, Va. 

When the Board met in 1814, it was found that there had 
8* 



90 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

not been a full quorum at the previous September meeting. 
But they now sanctioned their proceedings, and gave full 
validity to their action in regard to the graduating class. It 
was ascertained, at this meeting, that Ezehiel Hannah, of 
Indiana county, Pa., lately deceased, had bequeathed his 
property, to a large amount, for the use of the College; but 
that the friends and heirs of the deceased would contest the 
validity of the will. It was necessary that the Trustees should 
have the will proven, and take the proper steps for defending 
the suit. The Secretary of the Board had obtained satisfac- 
tory information from the witnesses of the will, and others, 
leading the trustees to determine to sustain the suit in court. 
Some of the adverse party came over to Canonsburg, seeking 
an interview with the Board, and bringing with them various 
depositions, tending to show that the testator was not of a 
sound and disposing mind, when he made the will, and wish- 
ing the trustees to give up all claim to the property, or leave 
it to the decision of some persons in Indiana and Westmore- 
land counties. The trustees, however, deemed it expedient to 
appoint Dr. Murdoch and James Kerr, Esq., a committee, 
for the purpose of taking the necessary measures for carrying 
on the suit. The price of tuition was now fixed at $18 per 
annum ; but it was understood that the Board would be at 
the expense of providing fuel for the College, making of fires, 
keeping it clean, &c. John M' Donald, Esq., of Pittsburgh, 
was elected Trustee in place of James Mountain, Esq., 
deceased. And the Rev. Elisha M' Curdy was elected in 
place of the Rev. Thos. Moore, resigned. The Kev. Messrs. 
Ralston and Marquis were appointed a committee to prepare 
and present a petition to the Synod of Pittsburgh, at their 
next meeting, praying that measures might be taken for erect- 
ing and maintaining a Divinity Hall,, to be connected with 
the College. * In September, 1814, the Rev. James Hughes 

* There is no notice of this in the printed Records of the Synod. 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 91 

and John Mercer resigned their seats in the Board. The stu- 
dents petitioned, complaining of the difficulties they labor 
under, in being obliged to provide fuel for the College, keep- 
ing the College clean, stage expenses at the Fall Exhibition, 
and praying that the Trustees would take charge of all these 
matters ; and that so much be added to the price of tuition 
as would defray all such expenses. Their prayer was granted, 
and the tuition raised to $20 per year. The Rev. Moses 
Allen, and Abner Lacoch, Esq., were elected to supply the 
two vacant seats in the Board. The committee on the subject 
of Mr. E. Hannah's will, reported that they had attended at 
Indiana, and had gotten the will proven, which, together with 
some other testimony, they had transmitted to Mr. Duncan, 
the Attorney in behalf of the College, at Carlisle. At the 
meeting of the Trustees, in 1815, it appeared that Mr. Dun- 
can had not received the documents — that they had miscar- 
ried ; (a suspicious circumstance,) and Dr. Ralston and James 
Kerr, Esq., were then appointed to go to Indiana and proceed, 
de novo. The Trustees, in view of the defective condition of 
the old stone college, resolved to proceed, forthwith, to make 
preparations for the erection of a new edifice ; and that every 
Trustee should exert himself to procure subscriptions for that 
purpose. They then resolved to meet again in June, to see 
what had been the result, and to take measures accordingly. 
Upon their meeting at that time, they could not make a Board, 
but from the liberal subscriptions which were produced, they 
were encouraged to appoint another early meeting, and to 
notify the absent members. They accordingly adjourned to 
meet again August 3d. But it was again a failure, perhaps 
through disaffection to the object, or influence from another 
quarter, which may hereafter appear. Those who met, how- 
ever, examined the subscriptions, and some plans for the new 
college, and then adjourned to the usual time in September. 
They now, without appointment from the Board, proceeded to 
examine the graduates, as no committee for this purpose had 



92 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

been appointed in the spring; and agreed to recommend to 
the Board, as entitled to the degree of A. B., Joseph Smith, 
(the writer of this history,) Thos. Johnston, (who died a few 
years after, near Mercersburg,) and James Frasier, (who died 
also shortly after.) 

A letter was received from the Trustees of Washington 
College, at the meeting of the Jefferson College Board, Sep- 
tember 26, 1815, informing them that a committee had been 
appointed to meet and confer with a committee from the Board 
of Jefferson College, should they appoint such committee, 
respecting a union of the two Colleges. Accordingly, Dr. 
M'Millan, and Messrs. Kerr, M'Donald, and Murdock, were 
appointed a committee on that business, to meet at Emory's 
tavern on the ensuing Friday. Information was received from 
the Rev. Mr. Pringle, that the suit respecting Mr. Hannah's 
will, had been tried by Arbitration, and that the decision was 
against the Board ; but that an Appeal was entered against 
the decision; consequently it must take its course in Court. 
The Board approved and confirmed the course pursued by a 
part of the Board, in respect to the graduates above mentioned, 
and conferred on them the degree of A. B. The degree of 
A. M. was also conferred on the Bev. James Wilson, of Phila- 
delphia ; Andrew Wylie, Principal of the College ; Stephen 
Boyer, of Lancaster county ; Bobert Lusk, of Cumberland 
county ; and John M'Donald, Esq., of Pittsburgh; all alumni 
of the College. Another effort was made to obtain legislative 
aid towards the building of the new college, and Messrs. 
Murdock and Ritchie were appointed a committee for this 
purpose. Messrs. Ritchie, Morgan, Mahon, and Murdock, 
were also appointed a committee to procure materials for 
the building, which at that time it was determined should 
be erected on the lot of the old college. 

The Trustees again assembled, October 25th, upon a noti- 
fication of the committee appointed to confer with the 
Washington committee, to hear their report, and, if neces- 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 93 

sary, to act upon it. It will be remembered this Gommittee 
consisted of Dr. M'Millan, James Kerr, Esq., and Dr. Mur- 
doch. The Washington committee were the Rev. Messrs. 
John Anderson and Win. Spear, and Messrs. A. Murdoch, 
Esq., and Parker Campbell, Esq. The Jefferson College 
committee stated they had called a meeting of the Board to 
lay before them the following statement, which seems to have 
been jointly agreed upon by the two committees, for it is 
dated, " Canonsburg, September 29, 1815," the time when 
the committees met : " A difficulty having arisen with regard 
to the place of union, which could not be obviated by the 
Conferees, it was proposed by the committee on behalf of 
Washington College, and agreed to by the committee on behalf 
of Jefferson College, that it be recommended by the different 
committees to their respective Boards of Trustees, to select 
and appoint three trustees from each Board, in manner fol- 
lowing ; that is to say : the Board of Trustees of Washington 
College to select and nominate three trustees from the Board 
of Jefferson College, and the Trustees of Jefferson College to 
select and nominate three trustees from the Board of Wash- 
ington College, whose duty it shall be to meet and confer 
upon the subject and place of an union between the two col- 
leges, at the tavern of Mr. Graham, on Thursday, the 26th 
of October, and at such other times and places as may be 
most convenient to them, until their duty is fulfilled ; and 
further, to make report of their proceedings and determina- 
tions, or that of a majority of them, to their respective Boards 
of Trustees, for their approbation or rejection." After this 
paper was read, a difficulty arose in the minds of some of the 
members of the Board of Jefferson College, whether the Board 
had legally met. It no doubt occurred to them that their 
action on this report would be of serious consequence. And 
it was well to be sure whether they could now legally proceed, 
in either approving or rejecting the course suggested by the 
Conferees. It was carried in the affirmative, however, that it 



94 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

was a legally constituted Board. Then they agreed to the 
report, and appointed Messrs. Gwin, Allison, and Stephenson, 
trustees of Washington College Board, to meet with the com- 
mittee which should be selected from their Board, for further 
conference. But they also Resolved, " That this Board is not 
prepared to remove the site of the college from Canonsburg, 
except the hand of Providence is clearly discernible in such 
a measure, either by casting lots, or leaving it to the decision 
of the Legislature." President Wylie's salary was now raised 
to $700 per annum j and Prof. Miller's to $500. Whilst the 
Board were still in session, they were informed that the Wash- 
ington Board had selected the Rev. Messrs. Marquis, Macurdy, 
and James Allison, Esq., of the Canonsburg Board, to meet 
those above mentioned of the Washington Board ; and as that 
important joint committee were to meet the next day, the Board 
adjourned till then, to be ready to hear their report. Accord- 
ingly, on the following day, the Board received the following 
paper : 

" Graham's Tavern, October 26, 1815. 
" The Committees from the Boards, &c, met according to 
arrangements of these Boards, last evening ; Judge Allison 
was chosen Chairman, and the Rev. Thos. Allison, Secretary 
of the meeting. After some conversation, in which the design 
of the Boards respecting the propriety of uniting the Colleges 
was expressed, it was agreed that the commissioners from the 
Board of Washington College should state the grounds upon 
which they proposed to form said union. The commissioners 
then stated that they were instructed to say that all the present 
funds of the college of Washington should be at the disposal 
of the United Board, together with five thousand dollars, to 
be obtained by the present Board of said College, upon condi- 
tion that the permanent site of the united college shall be in 
the Borough of Washington, which condition is a sine qua non. 
The commissioners from the Board of Jefferson College stated 
that they were instructed to say that the site of the united 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 95 

college shall be determined by the mind of Providence, 
expressed either by lot, or a decision of the Legislature of 
this State. As it was evident that the two Boards could not 
agree, according to the above resolutions, the committees were 
of the mind that the object of uniting the colleges should 
still be pursued ; and from a free conversation, it appeared 
practicable, by some further deliberations in said Boards ; and 
agreed to recommend a reconsideration of the subject, and 
give further instructions to their respective committees. 
" Signed 

"James Allison, 
"Thos. Allison." 

After some conversation on the report, the following reso- 
lution was moved : " Resolved, that provided the Board of 
Trustees of Washington College will not recede from their 
sine qua non, but will give five thousand dollars, in addition 
to their present funds, half of the Trustees and the casting 
vote in the choice of the Faculty, this Board will agree to 
give up the site to them, and will unite with them in petition- 
ing the Legislature to effect the object in view." The con- 
sideration of this motion was, however, postponed, for the 
purpose of choosing a committee to confer with the Professors 
of Jefferson College on the subject. Messrs. Ramsey, Mur- 
dock, and McDowell, were appointed that committee ; and 
after some time, brought in the following report, in writing, 
from President Wylie : " On condition that the Board of 
Jefferson College do not see proper to accede to the proposals 
that may be made from the Board of Washington College, 
and that there should be a unanimity of views, and a coinci- 
dence of exertions in supporting the interests of Jefferson 
College, I will agree to continue in my present office, till 
means may be put in operation for rendering this Institution 
respectable. If, however, the proposals from Washington 
will be such as to secure the preponderance and priority to 



9b HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

the Board and Faculty of Jefferson College, my opinion would 
be that they ought to be acceded to, and my conduct shall be 
regulated accordingly. P. S. — Upon conversation with 
Mr. Miller, I believe he will agree with the views stated above." 
The original motion was then called up, when the vote was 
taken, " accept or not ?" The votes, when counted, were found 
exactly equal, and the motion was lost of course. "The Presi- 
dent having declined voting, made the equality." When the 
Board met again on adjournment, January 4, 1816, it was 
moved and carried to make the last minute (above given) 
read thus, viz : after the word " equality," " the President 
was then called upon to vote j for some time he hesitated, 
but afterwards he did vote in the affirmative ; no reflection 
upon the Secretary is hereby intended or designed." A 
petition of the students against the removal of the college 
was received and read. The report from the Committee upon 
a union of the Colleges was again read. Then the following 
resolution was adopted ; " That the diligence and fidelity of 
the committee be approved j but that from, a change of cir- 
cumstances, since the last meeting of the Board, the union 
recommended cannot be confirmed and ratified." This was 
approved without any dissent, and gave the final quietus to 
the whole business. But it did not release them from further 
trouble on this subject. For at their following Spring meet- 
ing, in April, they received another communication from 
Washington, insisting that the Board of Jefferson College, 
having committed themselves to certain conditions of a union, 
which had been agreed upon, through their committees, in 
accordance with alleged instructions, were now bound in good 
faith to carry out their action. A majority of the Trustees 
of Jefferson College thought otherwise, and claimed still to 
have reserved to themselves the right of confirming or rece- 
ding from the terms proposed by the committees. It was a 
delicate and difficult point in diplomacy. Some of the very 
same questions involved in the case, have often been discussed 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 97 

in the Senate of the United States, with immense ingenuity 
and argument, whenever the subject of confirming and rati- 
fying treaties has been before them. If any body, on either 
side of this subject, thinks it a very plain case, we would 
advise him to read over the arguments, pro and con, on the 
subject of Jay's celebrated treaty ; and he will not, perhaps, 
think it is so easy a question to decide. Perhaps the Jefier- 
son Board would have yielded the point to the Washington 
Board, had they not been disturbed by other influences, espe- 
cially the discovery, as they, perhaps erroneously, thought, 
that some of the Washington Board had been tampering with 
their President, and some members of their Board. However 
this may be, they returned a spirited but respectful answer 
to their brethren in Washington. These papers are on file, 
but we think it unnecessary to burden our narrative with them. 
The Board, now released from this troublesome affair, went 
on, with renewed spirit, in their enterprise of erecting a new 
college — purchased from Mrs. Canon her lot, the most eligible 
in the town for the site, directed a committee to sell the old 
college and lot, and pledged themselves to the amount of $200 
additional, if that amount should be necessary, after the pro- 
ceeds of the sale of the old property, and the collections of 
the extra subscriptions should be gathered in, to pay Mrs. 
Canon. When the Board met in September, 1816, they 
received and confirmed the report of the Examining Commit- 
tee, recommending that the degree of A. B. be conferred on 
Hugh Dickey, Wm. Graham, and Wm. Wallace ; who all, 
we believe,' afterwards became ministers of the gospel in the 
Presbyterian church. James Kerr, Esq., was appointed to 
attend at Carlisle, employ counsel, and manage the suit respect- 
ing E. Hannah's Will, in behalf of the Trustees. September 
24th, 1817, the Bev. Andrew Wylie, D. D., having resigned 
his office, the Bev. Wm. M'Millan was chosen in his place. 
The Bev. Francis Herron, D. D., and the Bev. Michael Law, 
together with Bichard Johnson, Benjamin Williams, Andrew 
9 



98 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Monro, and John Reed, Jr., were elected Trustees to fill the 
places of the Rev. Thos. Marquis, Rev. Wm. M'Millan, John 
Morgan, Dr. Samuel Murdock, James Allison, and Abner 
Lacock, resigned. Another meeting was appointed in Decem- 
ber, and in the meantime, each member was to use his " best 
endeavors" to collect money to defray the expenses of the 
new college. The Examining Committee reported in favor 
of the following persons : Abraham Anderson, (afterwards 
A. Anderson, D. D., a distinguished minister and Professor 
of Theology in the Secession Church, recently deceased,) 
Daniel M'Iniosh, (a Presbyterian minister of great promise, 
from the Scotch Settlement, in Ohio, who went to the 
South for his health, and died in Georgia or Florida,) and 
Andrew Todd, who were admitted to the degree of A. B. 
Another effort was made to obtain legislative aid. The thank8 
of the Board were voted to the ladies of Canonsburg and 
vicinity, and the students, who had contributed for the pur- 
pose of painting the walls of the college edifice, and purchasing 
a new bell for Jefferson College ; and the Secretary was 
directed to publish it in the newspapers. This is the first 
record of thanks we have met with, to the ladies, for their 
kind offices in behalf of the College. But it ought never to 
be forgotten that the zealous and efficient co-operation of 
the ladies was afforded from the earliest period in the history 
of this Institution. Many of our pious mothers and grand- 
mothers offered up their prayers, and devoted a part of the 
labor of their own hands, for the support and prosperity of 
Jefferson College. Our readers will not forget what facts old 
Mr. Patterson's subscription papers prove, about the early 
efforts of our mothers, seventy years ago, when they lived in 
log cabins, and were not yet free from exposure to the incur- 
sions of the Red Men of the Woods. 

Another communication was received from the Trustees of 
Washington College, informing them that Messrs. Campbell, 
Murdock and M'Giffin, were appointed a committee for the 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 99 

purpose of renewing the negotiation for the union of the 
Colleges, and to report whether it he practicable to effect such 
union. To which the Board of Jefferson College returned 
the following rather caustic answer : " On motion, Resolved, 
That as it is the duty of those to whom the education of youth 
is committed, to inculcate, both by precept and example, the 
virtues of candor, honor, justice and truth ; this Board, there- 
fore, cannot, consistent with the duty they owe to the public, 
to the youth committed to their care, and to the respect they 
owe to themselves, open a correspondence with the Board of 
Washington College, until they explain their conduct, respect- 
ing the agreement they made with Mr. Wylie, the late Prin- 
cipal of Jefferson College, while in our employ." They then 
adjourned till December 3d, 1817. In the meantime, the 
Board of Washington College, upon receiving this answer to 
their overture, drew up and published a long and able paper, 
vindicating themselves from the charge insinuated by the 
Board of Jefferson College, and hurling back, with much 
severity, but in very polished style, various charges against 
the Board of Jefferson College. To this paper, the Trustees, 
at their second December meeting, replied in a memorable 
answer, that produced a deep sensation in the public mind at 
the time. The paper was reported by the Bcv. Messrs. Ram- 
sey and M'Millan, who had been appointed a committee (De- 
cember 3d) for that purpose. We have heard that much of 
it was written by Dr. Ralston. But of that we are not cer- 
tain. This long and able paper was assailed with the utmost 
severity from various quarters ; and not without partial suc- 
cess. For it had its weak and assailable points, especially in 
relation to the origin of the movement against Dr. M. Brown, 
in Washington congregation ; also in relation to an alleged 
secret contract with Dr. Wylie, and in reference to the charge 
of disingenuousness on his part. An able defence was also 
made of the alleged conduct of those Trustees of Jefferson 
College, to whom Mr. Wylie had made known his purpose of 



100 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

resigning his office at Canonsburg. All about tbe midnight 
plotting to destroy Jefferson College was set in a very different 
light, by the answers which appeared through the press at 
the time. It may suffice to satisfy our readers that there were 
two sides to almost every matter in discussion, when they learn 
that such men as the Rev. John Anderson, D. D., the Rev. 
Thos. Marquis, and the Rev. Elisha Macurdy, differed, almost 
in toto, from most of the statements and arguments advanced 
in this powerful paper of the Jefferson Board. Those who 
wrote it, and almost all the members of those two Boards, are 
now in the grave. There were earnest and eminently pious 
men enlisted on each side of that exciting subject. They are 
now at perfect peace ; and even long before they left the world, 
every root of bitterness had been drawn from their hearts. 
We had thought, at one time, of placing in the Appendix 
some of the able papers published by these Boards and their 
friends, simply as " Curiosities of Literature •" but lest old 
fires might again be kindled, we have concluded to withhold 
them. 

In April, 1818, a valuable accession was secured to the 
Board of Trustees, by the election of the Rev. Robert John- 
ston, who had been a pupil during the times of the old Acad- 
emy ; and who continued a trustee for seventeen years. * In 

* Few men in the Synod of Pittsburgh, for the last half century, took a 
more prominent part in its counsels, or exerted a more beneficial influence, 
than the subject of this notice. And Jefferson College had few more valua- 
ble and substantial friends. "Robert Johnston was born in Perry county, 
(then a part of Cumberland county,) on the banks of the Juniata, in August, 
1774, where he spent the first years of his life. Little is known of his youth, 
and his first religious exorcises of mind. It seems probable that about the 
beginning of this century, ho was a student of Canonsburg Academy, with 
a view of preparing himself for the gospel ministry. For, from tho rocords 
of the Presbytery of Ohio, it appears that he was licensed to preach the gos- 
pel, on the 23d of April, 1802. It is believed his theological studies were 
under the direction of Dr. M'Millan. He obtained from the Presbytory, at 
its next meeting, June 30th, 1802, liberty to itinerate in the bounds of tho 
Presbytery of Erio until the first of August, and was also appointed to supply 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 101 

the fall of 1818, the following students received the degree of 
A. B. : Wm. Blair, Robert Baird, (afterwards the Rev. Dr. 
Baird, of New York, the distinguished European Traveler 
and Lecturer, and at the head of the Evangelical Protestant 



ftatedly at Buckskin and Mount Pleasant, Ohio, for two months. The Pres 
bytery of Erie, October 5th, 1803, reported to the Synod that they had 
received Mr. Johnston, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Ohio, ' who 
accepted a call from the united congregations of Scrubgrass and Bear Creek ;' 
and at the next meeting of Synod, they roportod ' that they had ordained 
and installed him.' After laboring with eminont usefulness and succoss in 
this field, where tho spirit of God was poured out in a remarkable degree, 
during a considerable part of the seven years of his ministry, he was then, 
at his own request, dismissed, January 2d, 1811. He then entered a new 
and important field, in Crawford county ; and on the 15th of October ensuing, 
he was installed pastor of the united congregations of Meadville, Sugar 
Creek, and Conneaut Lake. Here, for six years, and during a portion of 
the prime of his life, ho was engaged in that laborious and scattered charge. 
Thence, at his request, he was dismissed, April 2d, 1817. During the follow- 
ing year, he removed into Westmoreland county, and became a member of 
tbe Presbytery of Redstone, having accepted a call to the united congrega- 
tions of Rehoboth and Roundhill. He was installod pastor of those churches, 
June 18th, 1818. Here, for thirteen or fourteen years, he was laboriously 
engaged in his Master's work, and many were given to him as soals of his 
ministry. From the congregation of Roundhill, he was, at his own request, 
lismissed, December 14, 1831 ; and, in the following year, from Rehoboth. 
Borne time in 1833, we believe, he removod into the bounds of the Presbytery of 
Blairsville, and took charge of the congregation of Bethel or Blacklick, an 
old and most respectable congregation, whose history dates far back in the last 
century. Here Mr. Johnston continued in his ministerial work for a number 
of years. Upon retiring from this field, and now becoming infirm through 
years of laborious and self-sacrificing toil, ho removed to the town of Indi- 
ana, where he resided, without a pastoral charge, with his son, James John- 
tton, Esq. Upon the removal of his son, a distinguished lawyer, to New 
Castle, the county seat of the new county of Lawrence, he and his aged wife 
accompanied him, to this their last encampment on their way to the Heavenly 
Canaan. Mrs. Johnston did not long survive this removal, but died in the 
faith about two years afterwards, leaving her bereaved husband to follow 
her, after a further trial of his faith and patience. He is now waiting at a 
very advanced age for his dismission, Mr. Johnston was an able instructor 
and faithful preacher of the word. Ho was a bold and fearless man in tho 
discharge of his duty; devoid of all fear of man, either in or out of the 
9* 



102 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Alliance,) Samuel Evans, Salmon Cowles, (now a venerable 
Presbyterian minister in Iowa,) Tlios. Hannah, (the Rev. 
Thos. Hannah, D. D., a minister of the Associate Church in 
Washington, Pa.,) Joshua Moore, (a Presbyterian minister in 
Lewistown, Pa., lately deceased,) Wm. M' Clure, Alexander 
Williamson, Wm. Jeffery, D. D., and Jas. P. Miller. Prin- 
cipal M'Millan's salary was $600 per annum. Mr. Abraham 
Anderson (late Dr. Anderson) was chosen Professor of Lan- 
guages. In the spring of 1819, Principal M'Millanwas com- 
missioned to spend two months to solicit contributions for the 
College — especially to defray expenses for building the new 
College. In September, the graduate class consisted of David 



pulpit, an excellent pastor, a wise and judicious Presbyter, a valuable Trustee 
of Jefferson College, and a faithful champion for Old School theology, and 
strict church discipline. lie had a cast of manners and a mode of social 
intercourse that led many to consider him as overbearing and tyrannical ; but 
it was altogether his manner, arising, perhaps, from a constitutional temper- 
ament. For a more kind-hearted man, and a warmer friend, could not easily 
be found. The period of bis ministerial and pastoral labors in Scrubgrass, 
Meadoille, Eoundhill, and Bethel, should be long remembered as one of much 
spiritual prosperity in those churches. Mr. Johnston did much among his 
people in promoting the cause of religious benevolence. Nor was his useful- 
ness in this respect confined to any one field. He was the ardent and efficient 
friend of domestic and foreign missions, of our then infant Theological Sem- 
inary, and of the cause of education. As a member of Presbytery, and of 
the Synod of Pittsburgh, from the latter of which he was not absent a single 
meeting for more than forty years, his services in these respects were inval- 
uable. More than once, important agencies were entrusted to him. 

"During the groat struggle of the church from 1S32 to 1838, against th« 
alarming revolutionary movements of the New School party, Mr. Johnston 
stood a firm, unyielding, and efficient friend and advocate of the doctrines 
an,d the ecclesiastical policy of the church of our fathers. May he yet be 
spared just so long as his Divine Master has anything yet for him to do ol 
suffer for his cause, and may his nunc demittis find him filled with faith and 
bQpe and love !" 

The forogoing notice is taken from the Appendix to a sermon, entitled 
"The fear of God, woman's true praise;" preached at Roundhill in 1855, 
aitod published by request. A more extended memoir of Mr. Johnston is in 
preparation, with a view to insertion in a second volume of " Old Redstone." 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 1Q3 

Carson, Adain Coon, Alexander M'Candless, Jno. M' Kinney, 
Wm. Smith, and Joseph Trimble. We find here the name 
of A. M'Candless, long known and highly esteemed pastor of 
Long Run Congregation. He afterwards removed to New 
Jersey, where he died some years ago. Also the Rev. Wm. 
Smith, D. D., who has been for more than thirty-five years a 
Professor of Languages in Jefferson College, and pastor of 
Miller's Run Congregation. If long and faithful services, 
both as professor and pastor, entitle any man to distinction, 
Dr. Smith has won for himself lasting honor^ and his name 
will stand high among the friends and benefactors of Jefferson 
College. The Rev. Joseph M'Elroy, D. D., (then of Pitts- 
burgh,) was chosen a trustee. A renewed movement for Legis- 
lative aid, was also made at this time. Tha Rev. Messrs. 
Ralston, Ramsey, and Johnston, were appointed a Committee 
to select and recommend a system of Metaphysics, for the use 
of the College. What was the result is no where recorded.' 
We believe that the old scholastic systems of Metaphysics were 
never much in vogue. A manuscript Epitome was in use in 
Dr. Dunlap's time — perhaps brought by him from Princeton. 
Dr. Wylie introduced Reid and Stuart on Mental Philosophy, 
in lieu of the old metaphysics. The metaphysics of the olden 
time is now entirely neglected, and its entities and quiddities 
nearly forgotten. Requiescat in pace. 

In April, 1820, the Board conferred the degree of A. B. 
op Wm. Nesbitt, John Peebles, Wm. 8. Roberts, CJias. E. 
Gilletts, and John Kennedy. And at their fall meeting, in 
September, on Alexander Campbell, Alexander Sharp, Thos. 
Williamson, M' Knight Williamson, and Robt. Crooks. The 
Rev. Elisha P. Stoift, D. D., was elected trustee in place of 
the Rev. Elisha Macurdy, resigned. 

The committee appointed to settle with Dr. M'Millan and 
C. Ritchie, executors of the last will and testament of Mas. 
Margaret Clark, deceased, reported that they had examined 
the papers and vouchers in the hands of the executors add 



104 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

found them correct, and that there now remained in the hands 
of Dr. M'Millan, and at his disposal, $4,685.10. Of this 
sum there belonged to the poor fund, $2,573.50, and to the 
Trustees, $2,111.00. This report was received and approved. 
In April, 1821, Mr. A. Anderson's salary was increased $50. 
The Legislature had passed an Act, making an appropriation 
of $1,000 to aid the funds of the College, and at this meeting, 
C. Ritchie, Esq., was authorized to draw on the State Trea- 
surer for that amount. Messrs. Geo. Buchanan, Win. John- 
ston, John Pinkerton, and Levin Rogers, received the degree 
of A. B. 

In September, Joseph B. Adams, Lewis W. Andrews, Rich- 
ard Campbell, Meredith Helm } John Hunter, Wm. M Council, 
David' M* Kinney, iSamucl Reed, and Aaron Torrence, were 
admitted to the degree of A. B. * 

Mr. Anderson having resigned his office as Professor of 

* We find cm the printed Records of the Synod of Pittsburgh, Oetobor 6th, 
1S20, this minute : '-The following resolutions, relating to the establishment 
of a Theological Seminary in the bounds of this Synod, were brought before 
Synod, viz: 

" 1st. Resolved, That it is expedient for this Synod, to take measures to 
establish a Theological Seminary within their bounds. 

"2d. Resolved, That the said Sominary shall be located in the borough of 
Washington, Pennsylvania, upon the following conditions : 1st. That tho 
Boards of Trustees of the College's of Washington and Jefferson, shall enter 
into an agreement to unite the said Colleges, with a stipulation, that the 
united literary institution shall bo established at Cauonsburg. 2d. That the 
united College shall agree to appropriate tho College promises and buildings 
thereon erected in Washington, and also tho funds, or a proportion thereol, 
for the use of a Theological Seminary, a Professorship or Professorships, tc 
be therein established, with the concurrence of (his Synod. 3d. That au 
act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania be obtained, should the same in- found 
necessary, to sanction the measures aforesaid. 4th. That theso resolutions 
bo submitted to the Boards of Washington and Jefferson Colleges, and, pro- 
vided tho respective Boards concur therein, that commissioners be appointed 
to take measures to prepare the contemplated plan for the consideration of 
the next Synod. 

"Resolved, That the motion to adopt these resolutions be postponed, in 
order to introduce a substitute, vi? : Thai the first two resolutions, with the 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 105 

Languages, Mr. Wm. Smith (now the Rev. Dr. Smith) was 
3lected in his place. Upon his signifying his acceptance, the 
asual oath of office was administered to him. In April, 1822, 
the Board recorded that Thos. Byers, one of the executors 
rf the last will and testament of John M'Pherrin, deceased, 
■lad paid to the Treasurer, $2, 033. 25, the original sum 
bequeathed to the Trustees of Jefferson College, the interest 
of which is to he applied to the education of poor and pious 
youth for the gospel ministry; together with $125, of interest 
arisen therefrom. This money, Messrs. Ritchie and Monroe 
were appointed to lend out on sufficient security. Miss Mary 
Armitage presented a gold watch, valued at $50, to aid the 
funds of the College, and $10 of which were returned to her, 
with the thanks of the Board for her valuable gift. 

Vacancies in the Board were filled : but as we have now 
reached a period when this item of history can possess little 
interest, we will not further notice it. 

Mr. Ritchie reported the receipt of the State donation. 
Messrs. J. Claybavgh, Adam Gilliland, John Pitkin and 
Benj. Spillman, were admitted to the degree of A. B. The 
Board also agreed to confer the same degree on John Closkey, 

conditions annexed to the second, bo referred to the Boards of the Trustees 
of the Colleges of Washington and Jefferson for thoir consideration. 

" On motion, Resolved, That the Rev. Messrs. Thos. Marquis, Thos. Hoge, 
James Harvey, and Win. Johnston, with James Hare, elder, bo a Committee 
to confer with the Boards of Jefferson and Washington Colleges on these 
resolutions, and report at the next meeting of Synod; and that the stated 
clerk furnish a copy thereof to each Board of Trustees, and that it be recom- 
mended to this Committee to endeavor to effect a meeting with said Boards 
on the subject, in April next, or sooner, if found practicable." 

There is no evidence that this paper ever came before the Board of Trustees 
of Jefforson College. They have taken no notice of it on their records. It 
would, apparently, have been an admirable schemo, could it have been carried 
out. Why it was altogether dropped or neglected, we are at a loss to explain. 
The Committee made no report at the next meeting, "but by information 
received from a member of the committee, it does not appear probable that 
such a union can now be effected." The committee were discharged, and 
that was an end of the whole matter. 



106 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

James Johnston, John M'Cluskey, Ebenezer Monroe, and 
John Smart. 

It was also determined at this meeting, in regard to the 
two societies, the Philo and Franklin, that should they, at 
any time, violate their own laws and regulations, to the aggriev- 
ance of any member or members, they shall have a right to 
appeal to the Faculty, and the Faculty shall be governed in 
their investigation of such appeals by the laws and regulations 
of the societies — an appeal still allowed to the Board. 

In August of that year, the Board was called together to 
hear and investigate charges brought by the Faculty against 
several students, for being the authors and promoters of 
mutiny, sedition, and rebellion in college ; and as having cir- 
culated calumny and slander against the character and repu- 
tation of the Principal, Mr. Wm. 31' ' Millan. Upon a full 
investigation, the charges were not sustained. But the stu- 
dents were severely censured for their rash and precipitate 
conduct, especially in their treatment of the Principal. One 
student had published in the Washington Reporter, a publi- 
cation which, in appearance, burlesqued praying societies and 
associations for sustaining pious youth ; and upon his disclaim- 
ing any evil intention, and making proper satisfaction, and 
promising to state the matter in a true light, in the same paper, 
the Board accepted his explanation and promise, and let him 
escape any further action of the Board. Whereupon, the 
Bev. Principal M'Millan publicly declared his resignation, 
which was accepted : and the Rev. Wm. Smith was appointed 
to take charge of the College, in the room of Mr. M'Millan, 
until the next meeting of the Board ; and was further author- 
ized, in conjunction with Messrs. Ramsey and Ritchie, to 
employ a teacher of languages until that time. At the Sep- 
tember meeting, Messrs. Morrow, Livingston, Martin, Frazier, 
Shellady, and Brown, were admitted to the degree of A. B. 
At this meeting, the Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., was duly 
elected Principal of the College, with a salary of $800. This 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR." 107 

was one of the most important events that ever occurred in 
the history of Jefferson College. But we must begin a new 
chapter in further proof and explanation of this remark. Dr. 
Smith received $50 for his extra labors, and his salary was 
thenceforward raised to $300 per annum. What he then 
received from Miller's Run congregation for his faithful min- 
isterial and pastoral services, we have not learned. In the 
mean time, before we close this chapter, we deem this the 
proper place to state how it came about that Jefferson College 
obtained the distinguished services of Dr. Brown — a man who, 
but a few years before, was President of Washington College. 
This singular circumstance is so well explained by a writer 
in the Presbyterian Advocate, January 4, 1854, believed to 
be James Veech, Esq., of the Uniontown bar, that we shall 
not hesitate to adopt his statement, which is as follows : 
" The College War of 1816-1818 had ended. Dr. Brown's 
first wife had died. The conflict had made him enemies who 
seemed to have triumphed. His usefulness, as pastor of the 
Presbyterian church, had seemed to have been impeded. 
Strife and affliction had sunk his spirits and marred his hap- 
piness. He began seriously, though with much reluctance, to 
think of a new field of labor. In this state of mind, the late 
eminent and estimable Dr. Griffin, who had been invited to 
the Presidency of Danville College, on his return from the 
West, spent a night with Dr. Brown, at Washington, and 
communicated to him the conclusion he had come to, not to 
accept ; and thereupon suggested the station to his friend, Dr. 
Brown. The suggestion was favorably received and enter- 
tained. Dr. Griffin thereupon wrote to the Centre College 
Trustees, recommending Dr. Brown to them in strong terms. 
In this he was zealously and efficiently seconded by the late 
Rev. Andrew Todd, who was a student of Washington Col- 
lege at the time of the disruption, and a devoted adherent 
of the Ex-President. In due time, the Danville Board offered 
to Dr. Brown the Presidency of Centre College. He there- 



108 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

upon went to the West, to Kentucky, to Danville ; and 
looked into the prospects and position of the new College — 
favorably. This was in 1821 or 1822. He did not, however, 
then give a definitive answer to the offer, further than to say 
to the Board that he would duly consider the matter, and if 
the way was clear, and God and duty pointed him to it, he 
would go, if his Presbytery would dismiss him from his 
church at Washington, for that purpose. Soon after his 
return home, he informed the Danville Board that he accepted 
the offered Presidency, subject to the condition last above 
named. In this state of things, and preparatory to his 
removal, Dr. Brown procured a special meeting of his Pres- 
bytery, to be called to meet in the latter part of the summer 
of 1822, to dismiss him from his charge. And in confident 
anticipation of the desired dismissal being voted for, he, 
during that summer, visited the eastern part of Pennsylvania, 
to see old friends, and settle some secular business. On his 
return, he stayed all night in the ' forks' neighborhood, and 
then, for the first, heard of what was called i the Rebellion,'. 
in Jefferson College, and the resignation of the President, 
Rev. Wm. M'Millan. On his further progress homeward, he 
stopped to dine with his ancient and trusty friend, the late 
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ralston, * then, and for many years before 
and after, President of the Board of Trustees of Jefferson 
College. The exciting proceedings which had lately trans- 
pired at Canonsburg, were of course spoken of during the 
brief visit. But nothing was said about the Presidency, 
directly or indirectly, until just as Dr. Brown was about to 
mount his horse for home. Dr. Ralston, who knew of the 
pro re nata meeting, and its object, significantly inquired, 
' Are you pledged to go to Danville V Dr. B. replied that 



* Whoover has read Dr. Ralston's "Philologus," on the College War, will 
be at no loss to discover the Irish strength and fervency of his friendship to 
Dr. Brown. 



NEW PRESIDENTS AND "COLLEGE WAR.'' 109 

he was, if his Presbytery would dismiss him from his church. 
'Very well, sir/ said Dr. R., 'good bye ; I will see you at 
Presbytery, Glod willing.' The meeting of Presbytery came. 
Dr. Ralston was there. The request for dismissal was regu- 
larly presented. But when the motion to bring about deci- 
sion came to be made, instead of being ' that the request be 
granted/ the latter word was, to the surprise of Dr. Brown, 
preceded by a ' not.' The Rev. Thos. Hoge, then of Wash- 
ington, Pa., was, I think, named as the mover. The request 
was, however, persisted in, and urged by such reasons as were 
pertinent and proper. But the Presbytery was inexorable. 
The request was flatly though kindly denied ; and thus the 
door was shut against Dr. Brown becoming President of Cen- 
tre College, Danville, Kentucky, which, but for this unusual 
action of his Presbytery, he would doubtless have soon become. 
The Presbytery having adjourned, the secret, or unavowed 
reasons, were explained to Dr. B. by his friends ; which were 
in substance that he could not be released until after the Board 
of Trustees of Jefferson College should have met to elect a 
President ; which would be in a few weeks thereafter — the 
last Wednesday of September, 1822, and if he were not 
chosen, then he might be let go. The Jefferson Board met 
at the appointed time. On the night of that day Dr. Brown 
was elected President of that College — a committee was dis- 
patched for him in the night, who, before breakfast the next 
morning, (Commencement day,) returned with the President 
elect ; who, before nine o'clock, took the oath of office, and 
on that day, within eighteen hours of his election, conferred 
degrees, and made a brief impromptu Baccalaureate address, 
as President of the Faculty of Jefferson College. ' In all 
this/ said the Doctor, in his relation of it, ' events crowded 
upon me so fast and so heavy, that I had no time to reflect 
and deliberate. Had time been given me I might have 
declined. But I thought I saw in it the finger of Providence, 
and I became passive in his arms.' The event was one of 
10 



110 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

great joy and gladness to the eighty students then at Jeffer- 
son College, and to the friends of that time-honored Institu- 
tion. It was hailed as an omen of prosperity, and a triumph 
of retributive justice. It was an event from which untold 
benefits and blessings have resulted, not only to that College 
and its hundreds of students, but to thousands of the human 
race, to whom, through them, Dr. Brown became, under God, 
by his pre-eminent capacities for government and instruction, 
and by his piety and prayers, a benefactor of the highest 
order to which humanity can attain." 



CHAPTER VI. 

DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 

A new era in the stato and prospects of Jefferson College — Dr. Brown's 
extraordinary character and qualifications — Connection of Jefferson Col- 
lege with Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia — Jacob Green, Esq. — 
Literary Societies in difficulties — Theological Seminary of the Associate 
Presbyterian Church established at Canonsburg — Now College building 
in 1829-32. Crisis in the life Dr. M'Millan; Death of his old friends, 
Prof. Miller and 0. Ritchie, Esq. ; their lives and character — Agricultural 
labor provided for students by a College farm ; its ultimate failure ; reflec- 
tions about it — Recent movement by Synod of Pittsburgh for Ecclesiasti- 
cal supervision — Its failure; reasons — Aids to be sought in investigating 
that whole subject — Goneral winding up of the whole subject. 

We are now entering on a new era in the history of this 
Institution. Under the administration of Dr. M. Brown, 
which extended over the long period of twenty-two years, 
the College rapidly advanced in its glorious career. Never 
was there, perhaps, a more popular, or a more successful Presi- 
dent. He was peculiarly gifted with qualities of head and 
heart that secured to him the affection and respect of the stu- 
dents, both while under his watchful care, and through after 
life, however long they might be separated from him, and in 
whatever walks of life they might be found. The pious stu- 
dents were generally ardently attached to him ; and the wildest 
and most reckless respected and venerated him ; and, in many 
instances, would speak of him, years after their residence in 
distant parts of the country, with a degree of affection that 
was often surprising. Yet he was constitutionally of a hasty, 
passionate spirit, and would often rebuke the students in the 
most unmerciful manner. Yet, somehow, he always had the 

(111) 



112 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

art of making up his quarrels with them, without losing their 
respect, or his authority. He was certainly the most remark- 
able man of our day, for the possession of qualities apparently 
the most incompatible, but strangely and happily balancing 
each other. Into many a scrape, his impetuous feelings would 
hurry him ; and yet he hardly ever failed to recover himself 
with grace and manliness. He had an admirable talent for 
governing a college. The success of his long presidential 
career was a complete proof of this. But his r eculiar talent 
for canvassing and electioneering, among the people of all 
classes, in favor of the College, was not less remarkable. In 
this respect, he did more for Jefferson College than all others 
put together. He was, in fact, an eccentric man ; and yet 
never was eccentricity more completely governed by good sense 
and sound judgment. His very oddities and personal mental 
peculiarities contributed to his usefulness, and to the success 
of the Institution over which he so longand so efficiently pre- 
sided. It was an auspicious day, when, on the 24th of Sep- 
tember, 1822, Dr. Brown was elected Principal of Jefferson 
College. 

In April, 1823, the Board granted the degree of A. B. to 
James Arbuthnot, Wells Bushnell, John Cunningham, Boyd 
Emory, Sen., Boyd Emory, Jr., James C. Hall, Robt. Henry, 
Samuel Jennings, John Lee, George Lyon, Robt. Moody, 
Alex. Macklin, James Nourse, Wm. Pollock, Moses Boney, 
Josiah Scott, Andrew Wilson, and Benjamin Yoe. Many of 
these will be recognized as living ministers of the gospel, in 
various ecclesiastical connections, or as respectable members 
of other professions. We have now reached a period when 
we think it expedient to close the further mention of the 
gi-aduates, as they are mostly still among the living, and our 
cotemporarics. We shall, however, give their names in an 
appendix. In the fall, the Board took Mr. M'Millan's house 
off his hands, at $1,000, and took back the old lot, exone- 
rating'him from $550, which he was to have paid for it. At 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 113 

this time the degree of D. D. was conferred on the Rev. Messrs. 
F. Herron and Robt. Bruce, of Pittsburgh. 

In 1824, the Board was called together in June, to delibe- 
rate upon an extraordinary communication just received from 
Philadelphia, which led speedily to a new feature in the his- 
tory of the College, and, for a while, to a new element in her 
prosperity. We refer to the establishment of the Jefferson 
Medical College in Philadelphia, under the wing and charter 
of our College. The following letter was laid before the 
Board : 

" Gentlemen : — The undersigned, believing, upon mature 
consideration, that the establishment of a second medical 
school in the city of Philadelphia will be advantageous to the 
public, not less than to themselves, have formed themselves 
into a Medical Faculty, with the intention of establishing such 
a school, and they hereby offer to the Trustees of Jefferson 
College to become connected with that Institution, on the 
conditions herewith submitted; subject to such modifications, 
as on a full and free explanation, shall be found satisfactory 
to the parties severally concerned. The undersigned beg leave 
to submit herewith, the plan which they have devised, for 
forming the Faculty contemplated, and for conducting the 
concerns of the same — open to amendments and alterations 
in the manner already proposed. 

" Signed by order of the Faculty, 

"Joseph Klapp, M. D., 
" George M'Clelland, M. P., 
"John Eberle, M. D., 
"Jacob Green, Esq. 
"Philadelphia, June 2, 1824." 

After some discussion and due deliberation, the Board 
adopted the following resolutions, viz : " 1st. That it is expe- 
dient to establish in the city of Philadelphia a Medical Fac- 
10* 



114 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

ulty, as a constituent part of Jefferson College, to be styled 
the < Jefferson Medical College.' 2d. That the Faculty of 
the Medical College shall consist of the following professor- 
ships : 1st — a professorship of Anatomy ; 2d — of Surgery ; 
3d — of the Theory and Practice of Medicine; 4th — of Materia 
Medica, Botany and the Institutes ; 5th — of Chemistry, Min- 
eralogy, and Pharmacy ; 6th — of Midwifery, and the diseases 
of women and children. 3d. That whenever a vacancy shall 
occur by death, resignation, or otherwise, it shall be filled by 
a gentleman who shall be nominated by the remaining Pro- 
fessors, or a majority of them, and appointed by the Trustees 
of the College. 4th. That a Professor may be removed by 
the Board of Trustees, with the consent of a majority of the 
other medical Professors, after a fair and full investigation of 
the alleged causes for the removal ; but in no other way. 
5th. That the Medical School shall have no claims whatever 
on the funds of Jefferson College. 6th. That the medical 
Professors shall make arrangements among themselves for the 
time and place of lecturing, for examinations, and for the gen- 
eral benefit of the school : the time for conferring medical 
degrees shall be determined by the Trustees, on the represen- 
tation of the medical Faculty. The same fee shall be paid 
to the President of the College by the graduates for a degree, 
as for a degree in the arts. 7th. That this College shall use 
a suitable influence to send medical pupils to the medical 
school connected with it in Philadelphia ; and the medical 
Faculty shall promote in every way the interest and prosperity 
of the College. 8th. That the young men who have attended 
one course of lectures, in any respectable medical Institution, 
shall be admitted to a standing, in all respects, equal to the 
one they had left. 9th. That ten indigent young men of 
talents, who shall bring to the medical Faculty satisfactory 
testimonials and certificates, shall be annually received into 
the medical school, receive its medical instructions, and be 
entitled to its honors, without any charge. 10th. That the 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 115 

following persons, duly elected, be and they are hereby 
appointed to the following professorships, viz : Doctor George 
M' Clelland, Professor of Surgery ; Doctor Joseph Klapp, 
Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine ; Doctor John 
Eberle, Professor of Materia Medica ; Jacob Green, Esq., 
Professor of Chemistry, Mineralogy and Pharmacy. 11th. 
That the President of the Board be, and he hereby is appointed 
to forward these resolutions to the Professors elect, and to 
hold any necessary correspondence with them on the subject 
until the nest meeting of the Board." 

Toward the close of the following year, the Trustees applied 
to the Legislature, and obtained an enlargement of their char- 
ter, authorizing them to appoint ten trustees in the city of 
Philadelphia — not more than four of whom to be ministers 
of the gospel — and authorizing any Judge of the Supreme or 
District Courts to administer the oath of office to the Profes- 
sors and Trustees : and then, in 1826, the Trustees, at a June 
meeting, elected the following Trustees, in Philadelphia, for 
the superintendence of their Medical Department, viz : Rev. 
Ashbel Green, D. D., Rev. Jacob J. Janeway, D. D., and the 
Rev. Ezra Styles Ely, D. D., together with Edward Ingersoll, 
Joel B. Sutherland, Samuel Badger, Win. Duncan, and James 
Broom; and they were directed, as soon as qualified and 
organized, to inquire into the state of the Institution, and 
report to the Board at Canonsburg. They also created another 
Professorship of the Institutes of Medicine and Medical Juris- 
prudence, and elected Dr. Wm. C. P. Barton to fill that chair. 
Two months after, in August, the Board elected Messrs. 
Edward King, Samuel Humphreys, and Charles C. Cox, addi- 
tional Trustees for the Medical College, and six of the whole 
Board was to form a quorum. Dr. Green also was appointed 
chairman. In 1828, the Board surrendered more entirely the 
whole concern to the Philadelphia Board, and agreed that 
their decisions, in all cases, should take effect without waiting 
for the confirmation of the same at Canonsburg ; and only 



116 HISTOltY 01? JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

retaining the right of reversing their proceedings, if, in their 
judgments, the interests of the Institution required it. One 
important result, which grew out of this matter, was, that an 
arrangement was made in 1828, to secure the services of one 
of the Professors of the Medical College, Jacob Green, Esq., 
to come out to Canonsburg and deliver a series of lectures on 
Chemistry, Mineralogy, &c, during a part of the summer 
sessions. And certain perquisites, arising principally from 
matriculation fees at the Medical College of Philadelphia, 
were appropriated as a compensation for his services. The 
interest of the last appropriation from the State, was also 
employed to purchase chemical and philosophical apparatus, 
and enlarge the College Libraries. And $300 also from the 
funds of the Board, were employed for the same purpose. 
In 1833, the Board appropriated $100 for the payment of 
Prof. Green's services, as Professor of Chemistry, &c. Thus, 
through successive years, was this arrangement continued. 
The Chemical Laboratory and Apparatus were enlarged from 
time to time, and much advantage to the College and to th6 
interests of science was the result. 

But to return. The Board, at their meeting, April, 1825 
provided that the students should be allowed to occupy th 
vacant rooms of the new College edifice, as lodging rooms ; 
that the education funds should be appropriated for the accom- 
modation of their Beneficiaries, in this way ; and that Ben- 
jamin Williams and John Philips should be a committee, in 
connection with the Faculty, to arrange these matters. 

It appears that up to the year 1826, the decisions at the 
contests, held by the two Literary societies, were made by the 
Trustees. The Philo Society asked, by petition, at this time, 
that the Board should hereafter discontinue this usage. The 
Board advised the Philo Society to invite the Franklin Society 
to a friendly conference by committees, and get the whole 
matter adjusted in whatever way they should mutually deter- 
mine upon, in regard to this point. In January, 1827, the 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 117 

two societies applied to the Board to settle this difficulty, and 
establish some order or rule about the matter. The Board 
informed them that they had never, by any formal act of the 
Board, heretofore acted in the case, and suggested to the 
societies that hereafter it would best comport with the har- 
mony of the College, and the peculiar nature of these literary 
exhibitions, that the comparative merits of the respective per- 
formers should rest upon the impartial decision of the spec- 
tators generally. Whether the societies adopted the course 
suggested, and how long, we are not informed. They soon 
agreed upon the plan of selecting judges of the Contest, each 
society choosing a certain number, and they, perhaps, choosing 
an umpire. And on this plan the thing is managed to this 
day. 

In 1827, the State Legislature granted another appropria- 
tion of $1,000, and the same amount for each of two or three 
successive years. There is also a notice on their Records, 
March 27, 1833, of 12,000, " as an installment due from the 
Legislature on the first of the ensuing May." It would seem 
that the Legislature had passed an act, some years before, 
granting an appropriation, by yearly installments. The whole 
amount we do not know. 

In 1828, the Rev. Robt. Baird, D. D., was appointed Pro- 
fessor of Languages, and Dr. Smith was transferred to tho 
Mathematical chair. But as Dr. Baird declined the appoint- 
ment, Dr. Smith was continued in his former chair. In 1829, 
the Associate Body, or the Seceders, as they are commonly 
called, located their Theological Seminary at Canonsburg ; 
and as they had not, for some time, the requisite buildings, 
the Trustees resolved "that the two rooms on the north-west 
corner of the College be appropriated to the use of the Asso- 
ciate Church of North America, for their Library and Theo- 
logical Hall, until they shall have time to provide other buil- 
dings ; and that public ground be afforded them, if they wish 
to build in this place." This body, however, did not avail 



118 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

themselves of this last proposal — -judging wisely that the 
Theological Seminary should be, on many accounts, removed 
to some distance from the College buildings. They chose an 
eligible site on the left side of the Washington road, near a 
quarter of a mile from the borough ; and there the Seminary 
has long flourished. They have recently removed the Insti- 
tution to Xenia, Ohio. The above arrangement, afforded to 
them for their temporary accommodation, was not only for the 
interest of the College, but was justly due to a church whose 
members had always been the staunch friends of Jefferson 
College from its earliest days. Old Mr. Henderson, we have 
already seen, was actively concerned in fixing the Academy at 
Canonsburg, and in watching over its interests in the days of 
its childhood. The Chartiers Presbytery of that body like- 
wise united with the Presbyteries of Ohio and Redstone, in 
vigorous efforts to sustain the Institution, when, but for their 
united efforts, it must, in all probability, have gone down to 
rise no more. Dr. Ramsey, also, the successor of Mr. Hen- 
derson, in the pastoral charge of that large and respectable 
Seceder congregation, in the vicinity of Canonsburg, was, 
through a long life, a most devoted friend and patron of Jef- 
ferson College — always an active member of the Board, whilst 
in it, and for many years the Hebrew Professor in College. 
Jefferson. College owes much to Dr. Ramsey and the respecta- 
ble body of Christians of which he was a greatly honored and 
respectable minister. He was also one of the first Professors 
in their Theological Seminary. In the Appendix will be 
found some further notice of him from the pen of Dr. Bev- 
ridge. 

In 1829, the Board took measures to erect a new building, 
so as to afford a spacious hall, and also a sufficient number of 
rooms for recitation, library, apparatus, &c, and having the 
basement story so constructed as to furnish accommodation 
for a refectory and dining room. Measures were also adopted 
to raise the necessary funds. Dr. Brown was appointed agent 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 119 

for this purpose, and his salary increased. The Board deter- 
mined that $1,000 should be the endowment, for a perpetual 
scholarship, for the education of a poor student, designed for 
the gospel ministry. This arrangement was adopted, perhaps, 
with a view, in part, to invite contributions towards the new 
building contemplated. The tuition, also, was raised this year 
to $25 per annum. In the fall of this year, having received 
an encouraging account of Dr. Brown's success in raising 
funds, and having appointed the whole Faculty as agents for 
further efforts, authorizing them to appoint sub-agents, with 
subscription papers, the Trustees now felt themselves warranted 
to appoint a building committee, (Messrs. Williams, Philips, 
Monroe and Allen,) to examine as to the site and dimensions of 
the building, the propriety of purchasing additional ground, the 
expense of erection, &c, &c, and to receive proposals. Early 
in the following year, the Board received their report, and 
proceeded forthwith in this important enterprise. In the 
course of less than two years, this building was ready for use. 
The Trustees held their first meeting in it, March 27, 1833, 
and called it, at the suggestion of the Rev. Moses Allen, 
Providence Hall. This is a spacious edifice — sixty feet by 
ninety in size — furnishing a magnificent hall, where now Com- 
mencements and Contests are held, and where public worship 
is also conducted every Sabbath ; and it serves as a house of 
worship for the Presbyterian congregation of Canonsburg. 
Whether Dr. M'Millan ever preached in Providence Hall, we 
are not informed. His death occurred November 16, 1833. 
He had lived, however, to see this building finished and occu- 
pied. It does not appear that he was present at the meetings 
of the Board for the last few years of his life. He had been 
Secretary and Treasurer for ten years, from 1817 to 1827. 
There is no record of his having resigned his seat as a Trus- 
tee, and it is probable he did not resign. But his age and 
growing infirmities, perhaps, prevented his attendance at the 



120 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE 

meetings of the Trustees for some time before his death. But, 
he lived to see this last edifice completed. And now, when 
from his home in the country he would visit Canonsburg, 
how contrasted the view of the College buildings and the 
town, with that scene which he first beheld when descending 
the hill east of Chartiers creek in 1775, or 1776. Then a 
single log cabin occupied the site of Canonsburg, with, per- 
haps, a few acres of cleared ground around it. Now his aged 
eyes rested upon that thriving village, and its home of science 
and literature. How often had his heart throbbed with anx- 
iety for its interests, and even for its continued existence, more 
than once in imminent peril. And when he remembered 
how many had been trained already there, who were now 
preaching the everlasting gospel, far and wide over the West, 
and how some who, in poverty and in russet garb, had once 
been there, and had struggled on through many difficulties, 
till they were prepared to go forth as heralds of the Cross — 
had early sunk to the grave, and been called home to their 
rest ; when he remembered how God had blessed with com- 
plete success, the efforts and struggles of himself and his fel- 
low-laborers, in the cause of that College, he would, perhaps, 
exclaim, " what hath the Lord wrought !" The remembrance 
of these early associates in this noble enterprise, would per- 
haps bring before his mind the names and persons of many 
of those that were sleeping in their graves, before Providence 
Hall was built. He would recollect Henderson and Canon, 
and M'Dowell and Anderson, and Allison and Brecken, of 
those earlier times. His early friend and step-brother, Prof. 
Samuel Miller, had but recently been dismissed to his hea- 
venly home, in a good old age, beloved and respected by all 
classes, and almost idolized by all the students that had ever 
been at Jefferson College. One of the first records of that 
first meeting of the Board in Providence Hall, reads thus : 
" On motion, Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 121 

pa,y C Ritchie six dollars, for the College expenses on the 
funeral of Prof. Miller, deceased." * 



* " Mr. Miller's course through life was like that of the rivulet, winding 
its gentle and noiseless and healthful way among the spreading elms which 
line its margin, and serve in part to hide its surface from the vulgar gaze, 
it was very rarely that his own history formed the subject of his conversation 
with others ; and the only record which now remains is that inscribed in the 
hearts, which once greeted his presence and profited by his instructions." 
" Samuel Miller was born on the 4th of March, 1757, at Barrow Water, in 
the county of Derry, Ireland. His great-grandfather emigrated from Scot- 
land during the persecutions under Charles II, at which time his estate was 
confiscated, on account of his attachment to the principles of civil and reli- 
gious liberty, and bestowed on a younger and more pliable member of the 
family. The subject of this memoir came to America when he was eleven 
years of age, in company with his widowed mother, two sisters, and a brother- 
in-law. Until his sixteenth year, he resided with his mother, in Chester 
eounty, Pa., prosecuting his education in the academy of a Mr. Law, of 
whom he always spoke in a tender and respectful manner. At sixteen, ha 
began to teach in Chester county, and for fifty -seven years, with but two short 
intervals, he was employed in giving instruction. His first temporary aban- 
donment of his post had in it something of the romantic. He had been occu- 
pied in teaching about two years. An old acquaintance appeared at his 
jchool-house, commissioned as a recruiting officer. Our teacher, and every 
(>upil of a suitable age, were induced to enlist as common soldiers for one 
year. Mr. Miller remained in the service during eighteen months. He 
formod one of the ' Pennsylvania Line,' in the regiment of Col. (afterwards 
(Jen.) Wayne, and breasted the shock of war at Brandywine, Germantown, 
.nd in several less important engagements. It is believed that Mr. Miller 
uight have obtained a pension for his revolutionary services, but ho never 
.aw fit to apply for one. On retiring from the army, he had recourse to his 
old employment. At the close of the Revolutionary war, he revisited his 
native country. The estate which now foil into his hands induced him to 
think of a less laborious mode of life. On his return, he married into tho 
family of Mr. John Nesbit, a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church of 
York, Pa. He soon after embarked in mercantile pursuits at Carlisle. Hia 
speculations, however, proved disastrous. Our merchant was constrained to 
resume his former employment, and was doubtless much more useful, and 
probably more happy, than would have been possible in the line of life pre- 
viously contemplated. The mathematical chair being at that time vacant in 
Dickinson College, Mr. Miller was persuaded to be a candidate for the situa- 
tion. His application was unsuccessful, but he expressed himself to be fully 
satisfied with the decision, and uniformly spoke of his successful rival (Mr. 
11 



122 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

M'Cormick,) in respectful and affectionate terms. This professorship was in 
his offer at an after period, but was then declined by him, Providence having 
given him an allottment elsewhere, with which, though less inviting in some 
respects, he was very well satisfied. In 1791, he came to the West, and 
taught an English school in the neighborhood of Canonsburg. He was 
appointed Professor of Mathematics in the Academy, in 1792; and this 
appointment was renewed in 1802, after the College charter bad been obtained. 
From this time, until his resignation, in the autumn of 1830, his history is 
identified with that of Jefferson Colloge. He was its friend in times of trial, 
and contributed a full share to its prosperity. In grateful remembrance of 
his fidelity, he was appointed honorary Professor for life, after he had become 
unable longer to discharge the active duties of the station. From the' time 
when he ceased to officiate in the College, his physical and mental faculties 
were visibly on the wane; and on the 8th of June, 1832, he departed with- 
out a struggle, aged 75 years, 3 months and 4 days. In token of respect to 
his memory, the ordinary duties in College were suspended. The trustees, 
faculty and students, walked in procession to the grave ; and on the evening 
following, an address suited to the occasion was delivered by the President, 
in the College Hall. Some portrait will be expected of the person and char- 
acter of our deceased friend. To begin with the less important, we will gire 
our views of him as a man. His personal appearance and address were pre- 
possessing, notwithstanding the disadvantage of a stature a little below the 
ordinary size. His features were prominent and expressive; his eye lively, 
aid always lighted with the smile of benignity; his health, as the result of 
strict temperance and regular exercise, was remarkably vigorous, until he 
resigned his professorship. His manners were obviously the spontaneous 
effusions of a spirit which breathed good will to all around. An intelligent 
lady made the remark, that she was never in his society without a livoly 
impression of the beauty and utility of courteousness. He was naturally a 
gentleman, and his manners, originally amiable, were still further softened 
and sanctified by kindly and Christian principle. No one was ever heard to 
speak disrespectfully of Mr. Miller ; and while this may be ascribed in part 
to his seclusion, it was no doubt owing mainly to his suavity of temper and 
manners. In Mr. Miller, as a Professor, we find talents of a very high 
order. He attained to considerable eminence without the advantages of a 
thorough academic or collegiate education. His attainments in mental, moral 
and theological science, were creditable ; but the exact and physical sciences 
were those best suited to the original bias of his mind, and those to which 
his studios were chiefly directed. His acquisitions in this department, were 
not so extensive as those of learned Mathematicians of Europe, or perhaps 
of some few in our own country ; but as regards aptness and accuracy, he 
was second, we think, to no one. There was one faculty he possessed, which 
generally occasioned no little surprise to his pupils. Wo refer, if the mental 
analyst permit, to bis capacity of attending to several exercises simultane- 



DE. m. brown's presidency. 123 

©Ksly. Pupils not un frequently came to the Professor for instruction on some 
point, while he was occupied in solving some difficult problem; and for fear 
of distracting his attention, would be disposed to defer their inquiries. Mr. 
Miller would apprise them very pleasantly that he had two ; and without in 
the least degree turning off his eye, or at all lessening the rapidity of his other 
calculations, could hear and answer every question that might be propounded. 
This faculty, though not often necessary to professors, was of the greatest 
advantage to the then condition of the College, on account of the number 
of branches in the department, and the injudicious multiplication of classes. 
His acquaintance with what are termed Natural Sciences, was equally accu- 
rate, during the vigor of life, although it is not likely that his knowledge, 
during the last ten years of his life, kept pace with the improvements in some 
of these branches, particularly chemistry. His mode of communicating 
instruction was peculiarly happy, and his explanations of abstruse points 
remarkably lucid and satisfactory. Ho never read lectures, but his extem- 
pore remarks and illustrations, were always entertaining, and sometimes 
highly valuable. Original theories, in explanation of natural phenomena, 
were not unfrequently suggested, and insurmountable difficulties presented 
to the adoption of existing theories. Many of these are safely deposited in 
the memories of his pupils ; but as some of them might have led to valua- 
ble practical results, it is much to be regretted that his extreme diffidence 
prevented him from communicating them in a less perishable form. His 
manners in class were not less decorous and winning than in private life. 
His punctuality was proverbial. During the thirty years he was Professor, 
he spent, on an average, about five hours daily in the recitation room ; and 
though he resided about a mile from College, he was never known to disap- 
point a class, until within two years of the time when he resigned his charge. 
Mr. Miller's failing, as a Professor, was an undue lenity to delinquents. 
The diligent student had every facility for improvement, and, as a conse- 
quence, made rapid progress in science ; but those of an opposite character 
were ferreted out of their lurking places, and goaded with too sparing a hand. 
Faculty meetings, at which unpleasant business was to be transacted, were 
the only meetings at which Mr. Miller's seat was ever vacant ; but this was 
perhaps the infirmity of age, rather than the defect of the man ; for our 
animadversion is to bo understood of the decline of life and not of its 
meridian. 

" Finally, we refer to Mr. Miller as a Christian. The commencement of 
his Christian course is dated about the time of his arrival in the western 
country. Of his early religious exercises, the writer knows nothing; but 
the genuineness of these may be safely inferred from the after fruits of holy 
living. At the fireside, in the recitation room, and in the sanctuary, the 
Christian was pre-eminent over the man, and the scholar. His religious char- 
acter partook of the defect already alluded to. He was over timid, and 
therefore les3 prominent, and, in some respects, less useful, than many of not 



124 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

The second meeting of the Board, but a few months after, 
(September 25, 1833,) tells another memorable incident. 
"The Board proceeded to elect a member in the room of 
Craig Ritchie, Esq., deceased." * Thus, within a few months 

half his moral worth. He sought first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness, under the healthful conviction that all things else which are necessary 
will he added therewith. This was a principal reason of his attachment to 
the College which he served for so many years. He always rogarded that 
Institution as eminently the offspring of faith and prayer. His salary, during 
a great part of his life, was exceedingly small, and ho is known to have 
declined several professorships when the emoluments were far greater than 
those he actually enjoyed. 

" Our deceased friend's Christianity was the result of intelligent, as well as 
heart-felt conviction. His accurate mind weighed soberly the arguments in 
favor of the divine origin of Christianity. The evidence he saw to be 
equally fair and irresistible, though of a different nature, as that in support 
of any proposition in Geometry. The system, if true, he perceived to be 
infinitely momentous, laying claim to the homage of his heart and the ser- 
vice of his life ; and these were accordingly yielded to its influence. He 
was attached to the Presbyterian church, and for many years a ruling elder: 
a Calvinist in doctrine, exemplary in the discharge of every duty, and yet, 
when all was done, deeply sensible that ho was but 'an unprofitable servant.' 
The benevolent operations of the day received his cordial support, and though 
a strictly temperate man, he readily gave his pledge and his heart to the 
blessed reform now in progress in our land. 

" He conversed about his decease calmly, expressed his deep sense of his 
own sinfulness, and his exclusive reliance for pardon and salvation on the 
atonement of his Divine Saviour. Shortly before his decease, he experienced 
a ' fiery trial,' from an apprehension that he would be ' a castaway.' This 
lasted for nearly two days. He subsequently enjoyed great tranquillity, and 
finally fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle, trusting in the mighty 
Saviour's name. • Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest 
from their labors, and their works do follow them.'" — The Rev. John H. 



* Craig Ritchie, Esq., was born in Glasgow, December 29, 1758. When 
only fourteen years of ago he emigrated to this country, in 1772. He early 
evinced extraordinary talents for business, and soon succeeded in working 
his way to the position of a successful merchant, in Canonsburg. At the age 
of thirty, he secured to himself the possession of a most estimable and val- 
uable wife, by marrying Miss Mary Price. This excellent lady, who became 
the mother of * 'i © family, pre-eminently adorned her station, and gToatly 



DR. m. brown's presidency. 125 

of each other, immediately after the erection of this last fine 
building, were called away from earth, Prof. Samuel Miller, 
Craig Ritchie, Esq., and Dr. John M'Millan. They had been 
closely united for more than forty years, in their efforts to 
conduct Jefferson College up from feeble infancy to sturdy 
manhood. When Providence Hall was finished and occupied, 



contributed to Mr. Ritchie's happiness and success in life. She sympathized 
with hiin in his toils and struggles to sustain Jefferson College, through its 
earlier history ; and her name ought ever to stand with those of Mrs. Canon, 
Mrs. M'Millan, and other noble women who labored and prayed, and made 
such sacrifices for this Institution. 

Mr. Ritchie's energy of character, business habits, integrity of principle, 
and general intelligence, secured to him a widely extended reputation. Ha 
was early elected to the Legislature, and served his country for some years 
in this capacity. During the " Whisky Insurrection," he took a decided 
stand on the side of law and order ; and rendered himself so unpopular with 
some of the leaders of that unhappy affair, that he was in danger of their 
vengeance. Indeed, nothing but his absence, in attendance at the General 
Assembly of the State, saved his property from the torch of the incendiaries, 
at the time that Gen. Neville's house was burned to the ground; as some of 
the party told the family. He enjoyed the confidence and special friendship 
of Gen. Washington, who often visited him, and corresponded with him, and 
availed himself of Mr. Ritchie's aid, in the management of his landed inter- 
est, so far as Washington county was concerned. He not only lodged with 
Mr. Ritchie, and often dined with him, but took many a walk with him along 
the banks of Chartiers, conferring with him, not only about his own private 
interests, but ttw public concerns of the country. He also enjoyed the 
friendship and confidence of Dr. M'Millan, who made Mr. Ritchie's house 
his homo, whenever he was in Canonsburg. For more than forty years, there 
was an unbroken intimacy between these good men. 

It would be hard to say how much Jefferson College is indebted to Mr. 
Ritchie for its successful struggles in its most perilous times. He was one 
of its first Trustees, and the Secretary of the Board for a long time. He 
also was appointed Treasurer, at various times, and managed the financial 
afl&irs of the College with great judgment and success, often paying large 
sums in advance, from his own pocket. He was by far the most business 
USan'they had, and did more in devising ways and means to sustain the Col- 
lege, than perhaps all the other Trustees together, even including Dr. M'Mil- 
lan "himself. He gave a large portion of his time and personal attention in 
superintending the progress of the new building, and providing from his 
own resources, whatever might bo temporarily wanted by the workmen. An4 

; " 11* 



126 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

they might well consider their work on earth as done. And 
the remarkable Providence of God so ordered it that these 
three men should all successively die immediately after the 
completion of this work. It was a circumstance of almost as 
striking a character as the deaths of Adams and Jefferson, 
the one the author, the other the eloquent advocate of the 
Declaration of Independence, just fifty years after that national 
birthday, on the 4th of July, 1826. But we return to notice 
one or two matters that ought not to be passed over in silence ; 
and which belong to the few years which precede the last dates 
we have been giving. We have often had occasion to notice 
the generous benefactions which poured from time to time 
into the College Treasury, to aid poor and pious youth in pre- 
paring for the gospel ministry. Indeed, it is believed the 
guardians of the Institution never turned away a worthy 
young man, destitute of means, who sought their doors, 
whether he was a professor of religion or not. It had long 

when, in 1817, every other Trustee seemed to despair of the further existence 
of Jefforson College, Mr. Ritchie was unmoved and immovable, and took 
such energetic steps as reanimated the friends of the Institution, and secured 
its continuance. 

He died, June 13th, 1833. He was a gentleman of the old school. His 
dignified and somewhat aristocratic manners, and his fine personal appear- 
anco, commanded respect wherever he might be found. For honesty of 
principlo, goodness and charity, and for self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of 
Jefferson College, the church of his choice, and the country of his adoption, 
Mr. Ritchie had no superior in our Western country. To have so long 
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of Gen. Washington and Dr. M'Millan, 
is a high honor to which few, living or dead, can lay claim. He left behind 
him a large and well educated family, of uncommon intelligence and refine- 
ment. Their offspring are scattered over the land, from Baltimore to Now 
Orleans. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Wylie, President, first of Jefferson College, 
then of Washington College, and lastly of Indiana University, married his 
oldest daughter. Rev. Samuel F. Leake, also married a daughter. The 
Rev. Joseph T. Smith, D. D., of Baltimore, is married to his grand-daughter. 
His oldest living son, John Ritchie, Esq., resides in New Orleans. ■ The 
Hon. David Ritchie, of Pittsburgh, is perhaps his third son. His youngo/t 
son, Craig Ritchie, Esq., is a merchant in Canonsburg. 



DR. M. brown's presidency. 127 

been a subject of serious conference amongst the members of 
the Board, Faculty, and other patrons of the Institution, 
whether a better system could not be devised to aid poor, but 
talented and promising young men, through a college course. 
The plan of a self-sustaining Institution had not then been 
much heard of. But in some parts of the country, attempts 
had been made to unite the manual labor system with schools 
and academies. The scheme was becoming popular, and 
exciting much attention in the public mind. Some had read 
about what Pestalozzi and Fellenberg were doing in the old 
world. Could something like this be done, in whole or in 
part, at Canonsburg ? If half the glowing declamation that 
was beginning to fill the public press on the subject was 
founded in truth, it was worth the trial. Surely Jefferson 
College, that had been sustained, through its earlier life, by 
the hard earned and humble offerings of the comparatively 
poor, all over Western Pennsylvania, as we have already seen, 
was now, in her better and more prosperous days, peculiarly 
bound not to forget " the rock whence she was hewn and the 
hole of the pit whence she was digged" — was bound not to 
forget the poor. It was worth the trial, at any rate, to see 
whether facilities offered for agricultural labor, could be 
secured to young men who were willing to work their way to 
a diploma, by the toil of their hands. Accordingly, at a 
meeting of the Board, September 30, 1830, the following 
preamble and resolutions were adopted : 

" Whereas, it has pleased the Great Head of the church, emi- 
nently to own and bless the instrumentality of this College, in 
preparing men for usefulness in the gospel harvest, as well as in 
other professional and public stations, and whereas the Board 
cherish the hope that his kind and benignant Providence may 
still continue to watch over it for good, and to increase the 
amount of its usefulness to the cause, and the kingdom of Christ, 
and the public welfare ; and whereas they feel it incumbent on 
them to use every measure in their power to facilitate the acqui- 



128 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

sition of classical education on the part of indigent and prom- 
ising young men of our country; therefore, 

" Resolved, That in order the more fully to attain the objects 
above adverted to, it is expedient to connect with the College 
premises, a farm of such location and size as may give to all 
such students as may be disposed, an opportunity to employ a 
part of their time in mechanical, horticultural and agricultural 
pursuits, with a view to the decrease of their expenses, and for 
other purposes, on such plan and under such regulations as may 
hereafter be adopted by the Board." 

Messrs. Williams, Johnston, and Logan, were appointed a 
com in it tec to take measures to obtain the requisite funds for the 
purchase of a farm, and were authorized to select and purchase 
the same, whenever the requisite funds shall have been sub- 
scribed or guaranteed. In April, 1831, the committee made a 
report, unfavorable to the purchasing of a farm at that time. 
But while the subject was under consideration, Messrs. Allen 
and Williams stated to the Board that they had made a purchase 
of a farm, adjacent to the town, for the sum of $3,000, which 
they would tender to the Board, if they would accept of it, 
on the terms purchased. The Board agreed to the terms — 
these gentlemen pledging themselves, at the end of one year, 
to take back the farm, provided the Board should be disposed 
to give it up, and that they would, in that case, refund the 
money now advanced by the Board, without interest. We 
find but little subsequently recorded about this farm. It is 
stated that on September 28th, 1831, " A request was laid 
before the Board, by Mr. L. Streit, a student of the College, 
for a lease of three or four acres of ground, on the College 
farm, with the privilege of erecting a house and making cer- 
tain improvements thereon. His request was granted, and 
Messrs. Moses Allen and Benjamin Williams were appointed 
a committee to contract with Mr. Streit, and make such 
arrangements with other students desirous of residing on the 
farm, as shall appear expedient. We know but little more 



DR. m. brown's presidency. 129 

of this enterprise. We believe, however, that after the trial 
and experience of a few years, it was deemed expedient to 
abandon it, not having fulfilled the expectations of those who 
were at first very sanguine in its success. A similar fate has 
attended such schemes almost everywhere else. And we 
hear but little now of manual labor Colleges and Academies. 
A real agricultural school, however, is a different affair. Our 
State Agricultural Society is about to make the experiment 
of such an institution. But though we should rejoice in its 
success, if conducted on right principles, we fear it will be a 
failure. For how shall moral and religious instruction be 
provided that will be worth any thing, and at the same time 
be acceptable to all the parties interested ? If it be entirely 
left out — if an open Protestant Bible and scripture lessons be 
excluded, what guarantee can we have for its moral influence, 
and even for its successful management ? But this is aside 
from our present purpose. We cannot yet think that a plan 
of manual labor in mechanical departments, in connection 
with Jefferson College, would be necessarily a failure, if some 
of the faculty, or some suitable person employed by them, 
could take the direction of it. Most students would labor 
with more advantage in rooms or shops, than on farms, often 
exposed to scorching suns, or drenching rains; for these 
could not always be avoided. And young men or boys, reek- 
ing with perspiration or discomforted with soiled clothes, feel 
little taste or fitness for study, or the lecture room. This has 
been our experience, and that of those with whom we have 
conversed. If, indeed, a professor of agricultural chemistry 
could be sustained, and a sufficient amount of land could be 
secured to afford an opportunity of illustrating the various 
scientific improvements in the cultivation of different soils, 
in sub-soil plowing and spading, and in the preparation of 
manures, it might be rendered a valuable acquisition to Jef- 
ferson College, and to Western Pennsylvania. Perhaps, after 
all, the great difficulty is to provide, in the same institution, 



130 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

for those who are willing to work, and also for those who have 
no need, or are not inclined to work. Those who heing poor, 
are willing to work their way to a diploma, or even to acquire 
a part of a college education, hy the labor of their hands, 
will perhaps always prefer to perform that labor elsewhere, or 
to resort to such institutions as require all, without distinction, 
to work certain hours of the day. Work, to a certain amount, 
must be made the rule for all alike, perhaps, in order to secure 
complete success, whether it be mechanical or agricultural 
labor. 

We have now brought down our history to a period suffi- 
ciently near our times to justify a winding up of our narra- 
tive, by a very summary statement of what belongs to the 
remaining period. Dr. Brown, after a long and prosperous 
career in his office, resigned, in 1845. He had been, during 
the greater part of his residence in Canonsburg, also engaged 
in pastoral and ministerial labors, in connection with Dr. 
M'Millan. And when, in 1830, the church in Canonsburg 
was organized, he became its stated Supply. That church, 
along with the College, was favored with many refreshing sea- 
sons of divine influence. No college in our country has, per- 
haps, been more highly favored in this respect. There were 
especially two very remarkable revivals, both in the College 
and in the town, during his presidency; and before he died, 
he had the happiness of knowing several scores of ministers 
laboring through the wide land, and some who had gone to 
heathen lands, that first, as they believed, drew the breath of 
spiritual life while at College in Canonsburg. 

The Rev. R. J. Brechenridge, D. D., was his successor. 
He continued in office, however, only till June, 1847 — not 
long enough to fulfill the great expectations that were raised 
by his eminent abilities — but long enough to give a new 
impulse to the interests of the College. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. A. B. Brown, D. D., son of Dr. Matthew Brown. 
He had been a member of the Faculty some time before, and 



DR. M. BROWN'S PRESIDENCY. 131 

stated supply or pastor of Chartiers congregation. This 
charge he of course surrendered, upon accepting the Presi- 
dency of the College. For he was about the same time 
unanimously called to the pastorate of the church in Canons- 
burg. After his entrance on this new and arduous field of 
labor, he soon evinced eminent and peculiar talents for his 
station. The College continued to flourish under his admin- 
istration, assisted as he has been, by an able and efficient Fac- 
ulty. Though it was thought the loss of Prof. Samuel 
Williams, and the Rev. H. Snyder, both eminent in their 
departments, could not be easily repaired, the Trustees were 
fortunate in securing the services of Prof. Jones and Prof 
Frazer — one from the Emerald Isle, the other a North Briton — 
both well educated and experienced men. Still further, they 
have now also the faithful services of the Rev. A. Williams, 
D. D., whose long experience as a Professor in Athens Uni- 
versity, had fully prepared him for his present office and 
labor. He is also co-pastor with Dr. Brown, of the church. 
It was hoped this arrangement would afford such relief to Dr. 
Brown as his feeble health required. But he has found the 
labor and confinement too oppressive for him. This, together 
with the feeble health of part of his family, has led to his 
removal to the country, and to his resignation of the Presi- 
dency, much to the regret of the Board, and of all the friends 
of Jefferson College. The Board, however, on the 7th of 
January of the present year, (1857,) have unanimously elected 
the Rev. Br. Alden, late Professor at La Fayette College, 
Easton, Pa. And he has recently entered, with great accept- 
ance, upon the duties of his responsible office. The Institu- 
tion is now in a state of great prosperity. The number of 
students is as great as at any former period. The plan of 
raising by scholarships $60,000, for a permanent endowment 
fund, has succeeded. The effort to raise another endowment 
of a Greek Professorship, is in progress, and it is hoped will 
be completely successful. There is still much need of an 



132 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

enlargement of the College Library, of a more extended Chem- 
ical and Philosophical Apparatus, of an improved Natural 
History department, and, above all, of a good Astronomical 
Observatory, with a full supply of Optical Instruments. The 
honor is yet reserved for some generous friends of science to 
afford the requisite funds. 

There is one other matter connected with the more recent 
history of our College, that may be briefly stated. A move- 
ment was made in the Synod of Wheeling, a few years ago, 
with a view of getting up an Institution under ecclesiastical 
supervision ; and a committee was appointed to confer with a 
similar committee, to be appointed by the Synod of Pittsburgh, 
with the hope that a plan might be devised by which they 
might act conjointly in this measure. Nothing, however, 
resulted from this, so far as the Synod of Pittsburgh was 
concerned. In the course of another year, a negotiation was 
opened between the Trustees of Washington College and the 
Synod of Wheeling, which resulted in the transfer of that 
College to the control and supervision of that Synod. Believ- 
ing that many ministers and churches in the bounds of the 
Synod of Pittsburgh, would be glad to lend their co-opera- 
tion in favor of this Synodical College, that Synod sent dele- 
gate to her sister Synod to invite such action and friendly 
response, in regard to this enterprise, as might be deemed pro- 
per. Many members of the Synod, though declining any synod- 
ical relation to the Institution, expressed their hearty good 
will in the cause, and their willingness that agents in behalf of 
Washington College should visit such of their churches as 
were favorable to the enterprise of the Synod of Wheeling, 
and invite such aid to endowment funds as could be obtained. 
When the Synod of Pittsburgh met in 1853, it was moved 
by the late lamented and eloquent young brother, the Rev. 
Mr. Cook, and seconded, we believe, by the Rev. L. M' Aboy, 
that a committee be appointed to confer with the Trustees of 
Jefferson College, in order to ascertain whether that Institu- 



DR. M. brown's presidency. 133 

tion could be placed in a relation to the Synod of Pittsburgh, 
similar to that of Washington College with the Synod of 
Wheeling, and to report to the Synod at its next meeting. 
Their report was as follows : 

" October 20th, 1854. The committee appointed to cor- 
respond with the Trustees of Jefferson College, as to the expe- 
diency and conditions of its being placed under the ecclesias- 
tical supervision of this Synod, or in case the General Assem- 
bly divide it, the joint supervision of the two Synods report, 
That in accordance with their instructions, they diligently 
and faithfully attended to the duty enjoined, and were respect- 
fully and cordially received ; but, for reasons assigned by those 
who were entrusted with the management and control of the 
Institution, your committee failed to accomplish the object 
contemplated in their appointment." 

David Kirkpatrick, 
L. R. M'Aboy, 
T. H. Neven. 

No further action has been subsequently taken by the Synod 
of Pittsburgh, in reference to this matter. Even on the sup- 
position that those who moved in this affair expected the result 
which occurred, we suppose their desire was that it might 
be seen that they, as well as a majority of the Synod, were 
not hostile to ecclesiastical supervision ; and that the churches 
and the world might see that the position of Jefferson Col- 
lege was such as to render it impracticable, or, at least, alto- 
gether unadvisable that any nearer relation with the Synod 
of Pittsburgh should be effected than such as already existed, 
and that, notwithstanding this, the present status and histori- 
cal antecedents of the College, entitled it to the undiminished 
confidence and patronage of the whole Presbyterian church. 
From this report of the committee to the Synod, it does not 
appear what the reasons were that led the Trustees of Jeffer- 
12 



134 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

son College to take such ground, as led the committee to 
report the failure of the object of their appointment. The 
Board, however, took care to publish to the world, in the 
Presbyterian Advocate, and several other papers, during the 
month of April, 1854, their action in relation to the propo- 
sals of the Synod of Pittsburgh, which was as follows : 

" After maturely considering the important communication 
of the Synod of Pittsburgh, the Board feel constrained most 
respectfully to decline the proposed ecclesiastical connection 
with the Synod, for the following, among other reasons, viz : 
1st. Fidelity to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from 
which we hold our charter, and from which considerable dona- 
tions in money have, from time to time, been received, pre- 
cludes us from the right to transfer to other hands, and for 
other purposes than those originally contemplated, a trust so 
important, and assumed under the solemnities of an oath. 
The very terms of our charter would be violated, in their 
spirit at least, by surrendering the exclusive control of the 
Institution to any one religious denomination. 2d. The 
interests of other religious denominations, especially of those 
which have, from the beginning, been largely concerned in 
the patronage and control of this College, forbid the transfer 
of its management and supervision to any single denomina- 
tion. It is true that the Institution has always been predom- 
inantly Presbyterian in its character, from the fact that it 
was originally planted in the midst of a population almost 
exclusively Presbyterian, and has always been dependent 
chiefly on Presbyterian patronage. This character it is 
expected still to maintain. Its Presbyterianism, however, 
has never been exclusive or sectarian. At least three branches 
of the great Presbyterian family, all holding l the like pre- 
cious faith,' have always been united in its support. For one 
of these denominations, largely in the majority, to usurp the 
exclusive control of an institution in which the others are 



DR. m. brown's presidency. 135 

alike interested, in proportion to their numbers, would be a 
gross violation of good faith and Christian courtesy. 3d. The 
past and present prosperity of the College, on its existing 
basis, satisfies us that the proposed change is not called for. 
Grod has been graciously pleased to bless the Institution with 
the smiles of his Providence, and the frequent effusions of 
his spirit, so that it has been enabled to send forth an unusu- 
ally large number of laborers into the spiritual harvest field 
in our country, and in foreign lands ; and to furnish hundreds 
of men for posts of distinguished honor and usefulness, both 
in Church and State. We have, therefore, no inducement to 
abandon our old foundations, and especially to have recourse, 
in the midst of prosperity, to a measure which we could not, 
in good faith, adopt under any circumstances. 4th. We see 
no necessity for the proposed change, on the alleged ground 
of a demand for ' a more sanctified education ;' or for the 
greater security, as to the faithful and unperverted use of 
our funds, in future years. There has always been as large 
an infusion of the religious element into the educational appli- 
ances of this College, as we think is proper or practicable, in 
a literary Institution. It would be obviously improper and 
unwise for us to subvert the very foundations of the Institu- 
tion, in order to secure for it an advantage which it already 
enjoys, in as high a degree as any Ecclesiastical College in 
the land. And whatever may be the apparent necessity for 
adopting the principle of ecclesiastical supervision in the 
founding of new institutions, in those parts of our country 
where all other denominations are pursuing the same course, 
we believe that in our case there is no such necessity. We 
are happy, moreover, to be able to afford an example of har- 
monious Christian union and co-operation on common ground, 
at a time when the Providence of God seems to call so loudly 
upon all the true friends of Christ to combine their efforts 
in opposition to common enemies. In regard to the security 
of funds from future perversion, we believe that the peculiar 



136 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

constitution of this Board, as consisting of members belong- 
ing to four different Presbyterian denominations, affords a 
more ample guarantee for the safety of funds, than if they 
were under the exclusive control of any one of these denom- 
inations. The history of endowments proves that they are 
as liable to perversion in ecclesiastical as in other hands. 
But while we do not feel at liberty, for the reasons already 
stated, to place the Institution under the direct control of the 
Synod, yet, in order to satisfy those who think that the church 
is the safest depository for funds, we are perfectly willing, and 
would propose, that any funds which the Synod may see proper 
to raise for the endowment of a Professorship, or for scholar- 
ships in this Institution, shall be held under the care and 
control of the Synod, and be subject to withdrawal, whenever 
applied in a way that does not meet the approbation of that 
body. We are likewise willing to enter into a similar arrange- 
ment with the other ecclesiastical bodies represented in this 
Board. 

" In thus declining the proposals of the Synod, we wish it to 
be distinctly understood that we do not undervalue the patron- 
age and the maternal care of that venerable body. We trust 
that the reasons we have assigned for our course will commend 
themselves to the approbation of all the friends of the Col- 
lege, and to the Christian public generally ; and we feel 
assured that the Synod of Pittsburgh will not withdraw its 
confidence and favor hitherto enjoyed, from the Institution 
under our care, so long as we adhere to the principles and 
policy by which we have hitherto conducted it, and to which 
the Synod itself has recently given the strongest and most 
unqualified approbation. We should deprecate, above all 
things else, the withdrawment from us of the sympathies and 
prayers of the people of God. We shall still be dependent, 
in a measure, on their pecuniary patronage, but much more 
upon their prayers, for a continuance of the prosperity which 
we have heretofore enjoyed. Trusting that God and our friends 



DR. m. brown's presidency. 137 

will not desert us, we decide to go forward, on the old bapis, 
on which the fathers of this Institution placed it. Adopted 
unanimously at a meeting of the Board, held March 29, 1854. 

"James M'Cullough, Sec'y." 

The reading of this paper was not called for when the 
synodical committee made their report, as it had been previ- 
ously published, and was doubtless read by most of the mem- 
bers of the Synod. 

It is not out of place here to state, simply as a historian, 
that the minds of the friends and advocates of the old system 
of government were about this time enlightened, or mystified, 
by an elaborate paper that appeared in the /Southern Presby- 
terian Review, on the subject of denominational education. 
It is said to be from the pen of the Rev. R. J. Breckenridge, 
D. D., and was published in a separate pamphlet, and put 
into the hands of some of the Trustees of JeiFerson College. 
Those who wish to examine the whole question about ecclesi- 
astical supervision, should read the very able Annual Reports 
of the Secretary of the General Assembly's Board of Educa- 
tion, for the last few years, and also this paper of Dr. Breck- 
enridge, together with several able articles published by the 
Rev. Drs. Thornwell, Dabney and Hope, and also an excel- 
lent paper from the pen of the Rev. Mr. Vaughan, of Vir- 
ginia. Those written by Thornwell and Vaughan, are 
considered as strong on that side of the question as any that 
have been written. But we hasten to close this chapter, with 
but a few remarks. 

It is not easy to state with any precision what Jefferson 
College has done for the cause of literature and science 
throughout this country. There are some facts, however, 
that are interesting to every man who loves his country and 
his race. She has had the honor of training twenty-four Presi- 
12* 



138 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

dents of Colleges, * in ten different States. More than fifty 
Professors in Colleges were once sitting at her feet. A large 
number of Professors in Theological Seminaries, and in 
Academies and Female Seminaries and Institutes, are amongst 
her alumni. About six hundred ministers of the gospel 
received their literary training, in whole or in part, at this 
seat of science. The number of lawyers, physicians, judges, 
governors of states, legislators, and public men, cannot be 
told with any certainty. We will not venture our conjectures. 
The whole number, however, is vast. When Messrs. Hender- 
son, M' Millan and Smith stood in the shade of the sassafras 
bushes, in July, 1791, to inaugurate the Institution in its 
humble form of academical life, how little did they dream of 
the glorious career that awaited their humble protege ! May 
successive generations witness a still brighter halo of glory 
gathering around the brow of Jefferson College, until its 
brightness shall mingle and blend and melt away with the 
glories of the millennial morn ! 



* The present Principal of Washington Collego, now under the core of 
the Synod of Wheeling, the Rev. J. W. Scott, D. D., graduated at Jofferson 
College, in 1S27 ; and the President of Washington College, Lexington, Va., 
that Institution which owed its origin to the same action of the Syncd of 
Virginia, in 1791, that helped forward the Canonshurg Academy, ("par 
mobile fratrwn,") the Rev. George Junkin, D. D., graduated also at Jefferson 
College, in 1813. 



CHAPTER VII. 

SOME ACCOUNT OP THE LITERARY SOCIETIES OF JEFFERSON 
COLLEGE. 

History of Philo Literary Society — And of the Franklin Literary Society. 

Our work would be incomplete without some notice of two 
important institutions that have been connected with the 
fortunes of the College, for about sixty years. We begin 
with 

€ljc pijUo iTtterarp .SocUtt). 

This Society is a few months older than its rival sister, 
being founded August 23d, 1797. 

Its founders were the Rev. John Watson, first President of 
the College, Rev. Samuel Tate, Rev. Robert Johnston, Rev. 
James Satterfield, Rev. John M'Lain, Rev. Elisha Macurdy, 
Wm. Fowler, Rev. John Boggs, Rev. Robert Lee, Rev. Wm. 
Moorehead, Rev. Wm. M'Millan, D. D., and Joseph Smith. 
Of these, only Messrs. Johnston and Satterfield still survive. 
Most of them were eminently useful men in their day ; and 
some of them will long be remembered in Western Penn- 
sylvania. 

The object of the Society was the cultivation and promotion 
of science and literature, and of friendship and morality 
among its members. The first meeting was held in the garret 
of the old stone edifice, where they continued to assemble for 
several subsequent years. They labored under every incon- 
venience. Their seats were benches ; their great coats were 

(139) 



140 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

used for window blinds; and their table was but a stool. 
Yet, with a laudable ambition, they surmounted every obsta- 
cle, and laid the foundations of an institution that has passed 
through the trying scenes of sixty years. 

The government was substantially the same with that of 
the rival Society; and both resembled those of the literary 
societies of Princeton College, and of other Institutions. 
Indeed, their constitutions were, to some extent, copied from 
those of the Whig and Cliosophic Societies of Nassau Hall. 
The details will not be expected in our brief narrative. Suf 
fice it to say, they were well suited to secure the objects in 
view — their mental and moral improvement, mutual friend- 
ship, and habits of system and good order in their exercises, 
deliberations, and business transactions. They met weekly, 
during the sessions of College, — the Philo Society, generally 
on Friday evening. In earlier days, their exercises were 
spelling, speaking select orations, debating, and reading com- 
positions. The first of these was, after some time, laid aside : 
whether wisely or not, is not, perhaps, so clear. Though it 
might seem rather humiliating and undignified, such an exer- 
cise could not fail to be profitable, through all future life. 
Strange as it may appear, graduates of colleges are not always 
good spellers, or thoroughly grounded in orthography. Per- 
haps the end might be attained, in such societies, without 
adopting a school-boy method of drilling. The Society was 
opened and closed with prayer. The presiding officer was 
required, upon his induction into office, to read an original 
composition. The members were divided into three classes, 
which alternately engaged in debating, select speaking, com- 
positions, recitations on history, and reading and spelling. 
Four debaters were chosen by the presiding officer, from the 
class that read and spelled, for the debate of the ensuing 
evening or meeting. One of these had choice of sides as to 
the question, another, choice of assistant. Translations were 
sometimes allowed from some one of the classics, in lieu of 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 141 

select orations. This was considered of great advantage to 
the younger members, to promote their accurate acquaintance 
with the classical writers. But this was during the earlier 
history of the Society. If a student failed to perform his 
proper exercise, he was required to do it at the next meeting, 
in addition to what was then tasked. One of the earliest 
items recorded is a resolution of March 30th, 1798, requiring 
two persons to be appointed to speak orations before the Trus- 
tees, at the following examination. Again, on the evening 
of March 18th, 1799, it was resolved that three persons should 
be elected to speak orations, two of which were to be deliv- 
ered before the Trustees, and one " on the last night of the 
singing school I" These were the first public exercises of 
which there is any record. 

On September 5th, 1799, a proposition was received from 
the Franklin Society, to contest with the Philo Society, before 
the Trustees, at the following examination, in select speaking, 
composition, and debating ; which proposition was agreed to. 
Thence originated those Contests which have so long been 
annualby sustained by these literary societies, at the close of 
each Spring session. It is unnecessary to enlarge upon the 
influence of this remarkable feature of Jefferson College his- 
tory, upon the improvement of the members, and upon the 
development and cultivation of the talents of the students. 

The first question discussed was, " Whether the mathe- 
matics, or the languages — Latin and Greek — be more neces- 
sary V The question is sufficiently vague to allow of a wide 
range in its discussion; and perhaps, for that reason, was 
better adapted for the purpose. The next question discussed 
was, in substance, " Whether the immediate emancipation of 
the slaves would be right V But as we purpose to give a list 
of the questions, down to the present time, we shall not fur- 
ther notice them here. For the first four years, they had no 
library. They then began by purchasing a pronouncing dic- 
tionary. This was their first book, and is still retained in 



142 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

their library, as a venerable piece of antiquity. It was their 
only book for four years more ; when some member happily 
hit upon the idea of a subscription by the members, and 
patrons of literature in the town and country around, to raise 
a fund, with which they might begin a library. Twenty-four 
volumes were thus secured. About $60 were raised in this way. 
In 1806, with their two dozen of books, and a treasury con- 
taining $29.18|, and an outstanding subscription for $120, 
they also required of each member, on dismission, $1, to be 
devoted exclusively to the purchase of books. They also 
petitioned the Trustees for a suitable repository for their 
books. In those early days, they adhered to the old style of 
reckoning, by pounds, shillings and pence. 

The questions discussed in the Society in those early days 
were adapted to their circumstances. Having no library of 
any account, they did not often venture on discussions that 
required much book research ; preferring such as were of a 
practical nature^ and about which they had some experience, 
or could gather opinions that were floating in the community 
around them, in those days. A few specimens may be given : 
" Is it right to inoculate for the small-pox ?" Decided in the 
negative. "Is the farmer or the student the more happy V 
11 Whether is it naturally immoral to have more wives than 
one?" " Is it right for a student to marry while at learn- 
ing V Decided in the negative. " Whether is it right, in 
public worship, to give out more lines than one V " Or to 
give out two lines of a Psalm at once, in this congregation ?" 
Decided in the negative. " Whether would the State of Penn- 
sylvania be better with, or without lawyers ?" " Is it as proper 
for young ladies to make proposals of marriage to young gen- 
tlemen, as for young gentlemen to make proposals to young 
ladies t" " Have we any good reason to say that a black 
skin, flat nose, and curly hair, are uglier than the color, noses, 
and hair, we have among us ?" " Whether is activity, joined 
with sharpness of speech and temper; or good humor, joined 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 143 

with indolence, to be preferred in the character of a young 
lady ?" " Is it right to drink whisky in a tavern t" Decided 
that it is right in certain cases. "Should a married couple 
continue to cohabit, when they become odious to each other, 
and desire to separate V " Does marriage weaken the pow- 
ers of the mind ?" To debate this question, two single per- 
sons were appointed upon the affirmative, and two married 
upon the negative ; but the latter, having the advantage of 
experience, found little difficulty in sustaining the negative, 
before a body who little regarded all theoretical views, when 
they could receive the evidence of practical men. Indeed, to 
account for several questions above stated, it must be remem- 
bered that in those days, there were always several married 
students at College, and the others found amusement in teas- 
ing and roasting them by such discussions. " The above 
questions," says the Philo historian, " were all, doubtless, 
debated with that gravity and dignity which their importance 
demanded." Even so late as 1823, the following question 
was discussed : " Suppose a young man, bred a farmer, but 
without any fortune, has it in his power to marry either of 
two women ; the one, a girl of large fortune, but neither hand- 
some in person nor agreeable in conversation, and can manage 
the household affairs well enough ; the other, a girl every 
way agreeable in person, conversation and behavior, but 
without any fortune ; which of the two should he choose ?" 
From the minutes of the next meeting, it appears that the 
decision was in favor of the girl without fortune. From the 
ludicrous length of the question, one might think that the 
proposer of it had been recently reading " Pike and Haward's 
Cases of Conscience." 

Of the founders of the Philo Society, Dr. M. Brown, who 
was requested to furnish some reminiscences to a committee, 
in 1837, gave the following brief account : " Of John Boggs f 
I am not certain ; but believe he is the same who was, for 
some time, pastor or stated supply, in the Second church, 



144 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Pittsburgh ; and teacher of a female academy — bein^ a 
respectable scholar and preacher, and a man of piety, taste 
and eloquence. Of Wm. Fowler, I know nothing. Robert 
Johnston is well known as a distinguished preacher, and very 
useful man. He was for some time pastor of the Presbyte- 
rian church in Meadville. Afterwards settled in the Forks of 
Yough — several years a member of the Board of Trustees of 
Jefferson College — a punctual and useful member, who has 
ever taken a deep interest in the concerns of the College. 
He is now (1837) pastor of a church in Indiana county, Pa. 
He received the best education this Institution could afford, 
while an Academy. He left before it received a charter for 
a College ; and of course is not numbered among our gradu- 
ates. Robert Lee became a preacher, and was settled in West- 
moreland county, Pa. Of his history, I know nothing. 
John M Lain was a preacher of high standing for a consid- 
erable time; was settled at Montour's, near Pittsburgh — a 
man of talents ; but was charged with intemperance, and 
silenced. He afterwards practiced medicine. Elisha Macurdy, 
well known as one of the most respectable laborers and use- 
ful ministers in this country. He was settled at Cross-Roads, 
when first licensed, where he remained until infirmity of age 
admonished him to resign. He will be remembered especially 
for his missionary spirit, and the friend of the poor Indians, 
having done more in that cause than any other man in our 
region. Macurdy's education was very limited, having been 
advanced in years before he commenced. Wm. M' Millan, 
formerly President of the College — a man of solid, rather 
than splendid talents; a substantial, rather than polished 
scholar. He was nephew to Rev. Dr. Millan — succeeded Mr. 
Wylie. Unhappy differences having occurred, he resigned 
the office of President — was afterwards President of the Col- 
lege of New Athens, Ohio, where he died. Wm. Moorehead 
was the same whose name is associated with Watson. He grad- 
uated, as I believe, at Princeton, at the same time with Wat- 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 145 

son — licensed to preach the same day. They were married 
to two sisters, (daughters of Dr. M'Millan,) at the same time, 
died on the same day, and were buried in the same grave. 
This singular coincidence is engraved on their tombstone, on 
the hill, (Chartiers graveyard,) as most of the students may 
have seen. James Satterfield. — He was a respectable cler- 
gyman ) still living — one of the first pioneers west of the 
Allegheny river. He was located somewhere in Mercer 
county, Pa., or Trumbull county, Ohio. Samuel Tate, a 
pioneer, very early settled in the town of Mercer, where he 
has been greatly useful : known over all that region as an 
excellent man, whose labors have been blessed extensively. 
He is still living, (1837,) and honored as a father. John 
Watson. — His history is very remarkable and interesting. 
He was a poor lad, employed as a clerk or bar-keeper, to a 
Mr. Purviance, who kept a public house in Washington. He 
possessed an uncommon eagerness to acquire knowledge. He 
began to read the " Spectator," and finding so many Latin sen- 
tences as mottoes, he was determined to understand them, 
and somehow to learn Latin. He procured a grammar and 
dictionary, and without any teacher, commenced the process. 
He was brought to notice by the celebrated Judge Addison, 
an admirable scholar himself, and patron of learning. Addi- 
son, being at Washington, at court, returned to his lodging in 
the tavern, late at night, after all had gone to bed except Wat- 
son. Him he found at his books. He had a Horace, and 
was laboring at it. Addison, surprised and delighted, fur- 
nished him useful books. And, after some time, he was 
brought to the knowledge of some benevolent persons, who 
agreed to send him to the Canonsburg Academy. He became 
truly pious ; as was exhibited by his Christian life and happy 
death. His talents were of the highest order. He was sent 
to Princeton College, where he sustained himself by teaching 
a class, as tutor ; and prosecuted his studies with such success, 
that no one pretended to rival him for the first honor. Yet 
13 



146 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

he, for various reasons, modestly declined it. He was the 
Kirke White of Nassau Hall. The Hon. Charles F. Mercer, 
of Virginia, was his classmate ; and in the address which be 
delivered, a few years since, to the Societies in Princeton, he 
spoke of Watson in language of the strongest eulogy. Mod- 
est and retiring, yet clear in intellect as a sunbeam, he was 
sent to Princeton, with a view to preparing him for the Presi- 
dency of this College. After his return, he was licensed to 
preach the gospel, and chosen President, August, 1802, the 
Jirst President after the College received its charter. He died, 
November 30th, 1802, about three months after his appoint- 
ment. His constitution was radically effected by study, and 
a laborious sedentary life before he left Princeton. I had the 
pleasure of seeing him and hearing him preach but once. It 
may be observed that none of the above list except Wm 
M'Millan, are among the list of graduates. The reason is 
that they completed their education in the Academy, and 
before the first regular Commencement. Watson and Moore- 
head graduated at Princeton." 

Thus far Dr. Brown, whose account we preferred to give 
just as he wrote it, being a valuable paper, which he designed 
simply as brief notes, to aid an historical committee. Had 
Dr. Brown lived to write the history of Jefferson College, as 
he designed, he would doubtless have given a much fuller and 
more accurate account of these founders of the Philo Literary 
Society. We throw it into our brief narrative, as worthy of 
preservation, coming from his pen. 

Of the subsequent fortunes of the Society, its various times 
and scenes of excitement, its internal reforms and revolutions, 
its ups and downs of prosperity and adversity, we shall not 
attempt a tedious recital. Like their sister Society, they were 
more than once on the brink of dissolution from internal fac- 
tions. Indeed, it appears that something like extinction of ' 
the old Society did occur in 1808. For, during that year, so 
terribly did faction and division reign among them, that the 



THE PHILO LITERAEY SOCIETY. 14'7 

friends of order actually re-organized themselves under the 
name of the " Reformed Philo Society •" adopted an amended 
constitution, and set out on a fresh career, receiving members, 
ds novo and ignoring the former organization altogether ; thus, 
like a Phoenix, rising from the ashes of the old one, plumed 
its pinions for a fresh flight. Thus the elements of faction 
were eliminated from the body j and the society thenceforward 
held on its noble pathway to honor and renown. After some 
time, we believe the new name was quietly dropped. In sub- 
sequent years, as the College became more prosperous, under 
the long and successful administration of Dr. Matthew Brown, 
this Society continued to flourish in every way. With a spirit 
uf almost lavishing liberality, they provided for themselves a 
magnificent Hall, and a splendid library, of many thousand 
volumes. Indeed,. the halls and libraries of the two Societies 
are an honor to Jefferson College, and reflect great credit upon 
the liberal and generous impulses of their members. A 
stranger would be struck with astonishment, after winding 
his way up through the rather gloomy and dingy passages 
and stairways of the old College, to find himself suddenly 
ushered into either of the rooms of the Societies, and would 
be apt to recall Sir Walter Scott's description of the luxurious 
splendor of some of the inner apartments, in the shabby and 
repulsive-looking houses of the Jews in the middle ages. He 
would remember Rebecca's home, described in Ivanhoe. As 
their library increased, and their means of investigating truth 
on all subjects were enlarged, the questions discussed became 
more philosophical and metaphysical — such as, "Is emulation 
commendable ?" " Is there any such thing in human nature 
as disinterested benevolence ?" " Do we sin in dreaming V 
" Is it an abridgement of the liberties of freemen to pay 
license for marriage ?" It is no longer necessary to discuss 
this question in Pennsylvania. But it would be worthy of 
attention in several of the States, where the license system 



148 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

prevails, especially in Maryland, where the tax is enormous, 
and really oppressive to the poor. 

The Contests between the Societies underwent some changes 
in process of time. The " original oration" was introduced 
without dropping the "select." The decision about the 
"original oration/' must often perplex the judges, if they 
must decide both upon the merits of the speech and of its 
delivery. As " composition" is still retained, where the ques- 
tion turns exclusively upon the intrinsic merits of the pieces, 
we cannot perceive the wisdom of retaining the " original 
oration." The debates were allowed to occupy a longer time. 
The Trustees were no longer the judges, as was the case at 
first. After some trouble and various conferences, it was at 
length settled to adopt the plan of each Society selecting two 
judges, and these an umpire. 

One of the historians of the Pliilo Literary Society has 
given the following account of the first ten years of the Society : 
" In taking a view of the state of Society, during the first 
decade, we find several things in addition to what has already 
been stated, worthy of special observation. And first with 
regard to the number of members. The chief difficulty under 
which the Society labored, for a number of years after its 
formation, was the fewness of its members. It commenced 
its operations with twelve ; and for several years, this number 
increased but very little. If, therefore, very many of the 
members were absent, through sickness or otherwise, it was 
felt by the Society. And we find the epoch in the first report 
ever presented to the Society, mourning over the fact that 
several of the members were prevented by sickness from 
attending to their duties. In May, 1798, Society adjourned, 
on account of two members being absent. And on April 4th, 
of the same year, the members convened, but did not proceed 
to business, on account of the greatest number of them being 
sick with the mumps. In July, 1708, Society adjourned two 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 149 

weeks during harvest. During the year 1799, we also find 
Society on the decline, from the fewness of members. The 
office of Orthographists was, at that time, combined with 
that of Eparch and Clerk, in order that there might be two 
more performing members. This, however, was only to con- 
tinue in force until the necessity would be removed by an 
increase of members. In 1801, Society was in a more pros- 
perous condition. The number of members had increased to 
twenty-seven, ; and consequently the exercises were attended 
upon with more regularity, and with more profit. From this 
period until the close of the first ten years of the Society's 
existence, the number of members seems to have varied but 
little." 

A historian of a later period, mentions the fact that, for a 
considerable time, they refused to receive any more new mem- 
bers, in order that the other Society might be recruited, and 
brought up to something like an equality with them, in point 
of numbers. A similar course we believe was pursued by 
the Franklin Society, in later years. Our former historian 
proceeds : " At the formation of the Society, £1 2s. 6d. was 
contributed by the members ; which amount, it appears from 
the report of the Eparch, was expended for the immediate 
wants of the Society, except one shilling and one half penny. 
For several years the pecuniary fund never exceeded one 
pound at any one time. In 1801, (being about the time they 
commenced calculating in dollars and cents,) there was in the 
treasury three dollars and seventy-one cents. The treasury, 
however, did not remain long empty ; yet at no time did the 
funds amount to five dollars, until an effort was made to estab- 
lish a library. Closely connected with the funds of the 
society, is the subject of fines. All breaches of order, at the 
present time, were punished in this manner; though it appears, 
much to the honor of Society, that the officers were seldom 
called upon to impose fines upon the members. We find the 
Eparch repeatedly congratulating Society upon the fact that 
13* 



150 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

no fines had been assessed during bis term of oflice. When 
such happened to be the case, Society was considered to be in 
a good state. And we think, justly. The first fine ever 
assessed was one sixteenth of a dollar, upon Mr. M'Millan, 
for not obtaining permission to speak an oration." 

The highest importance was attached to the observance of 
secrecy. Society was not esteemed in a prosperous condition 
if members were in the habit of revealing secrets, through 
carelessness, or otherwise. In May, 1798, on account of some 
of the transactions of Society having been divulged, a com- 
mittee of five persons were appointed to investigate the matter; 
and on the next meeting, make such a report as their evidence 
would justify, and the real good of Society demanded. This 
committee could not obtain evidence enough to convict any 
member. Yet the motion to appoint such a committee stands 
as a memento of the desire of the Society to keep all their 
transactions from being known to any except Philos. This 
feature of Society was very objectionable to the good people 
who inhabited Canonsburg at the time Society sprung into 
existence. One of its founders, (Mr. Tate,) in a letter which 
was written in answer to some inquiries, remarks on this 
point : " There was much excitement in town, and even in 
the country, because we kept the doors shut against all but 
Philos, and would not tell what we were doing : and to keep 
our doings secret, we made window blinds of our great coats, 
(we had no cloaks,) at the time. These proceedings gave 
alarm ; and some supposed that we held a Free-Mason lodge, 
and others that there was about to be a resuscitation of witch- 
craft/' &e. 

"At this day, perhaps, it is impossible," the historian 
continues, " to form an entirely correct opinion on the state 
of feeling between the two Societies ; as we have nothing but 
the records of the Society to guide our judgment. It is very 
evident, from the reports of the several Eparchs, that a spirit 
of rivalship generally existed between the two Societies ; and, 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 151 

perhaps, it was sometimes accompanied by rather bitter feel- 
ings. In the report of June, 1802, the members of the 
Franklin Society are spoken of as competitors, and charged 
with ' having vainly and falsely boasted that the Philo Society 
had lost its dignity and honor.' On another occasion, the 
Eparch urges the members to persevere in the discharge of 
their duties, stating that ' thereby they would be able to with- 
stand the most powerful attacks of their rivals !' " This spirit 
of rivalship owed its origin, no doubt, to the institution of 
Contests ; as we find but little reference to any thing of the 
kind, by the Eparchs, previous to their existence. "We sup- 
pose that, at the present day, no one will be disposed to deny 
that such a spirit of emulation had a tendency to advance the 
welfare of society. The members esteemed it a privilege to 
belong to the Society. " To us," says this judicious writer, 
" surrounded as we are with so many advantages which were 
denied to them, the benefits to be derived from our Society, 
during its earlier days, may appear small indeed. But such 
was not the opinion of the primitive Philos. They thought 
they were highly favored, indeed, in being permitted to enjoy 
the advantages of such an institution. One of the Eparchs, 
in his own peculiar style, remarks : ' We ought, no doubt, 
to muse upon the kindness of our Heavenly Benefactor, in 
giving us a seat in such a Society, where we may have our 
minds, which are deeply immersed in ignorance, cultivated 
and prepared, in some measure, to answer the great end of 
our creation.' This opinion, of course, had a very beneficial 
tendency. It made the members more attentive to the exer- 
cises of Society, and assisted in forming that attachment for 
it which never leaves the breast of a true Philo." "It 
was esteemed an indispensable part of the duty of each mem- 
ber to use every exertion to advance the dignity of Society. 
It was supposed not sufficient, merely to adhere strictly to 
those laws which related to the exercises of Society ; but that 
those which had a reference to the conduct of members, both 



152 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

in and out of Society, should be observed with great strict- 
ness. Especially were the members urged to have a particular 
regard to their conduct out of Society; knowing that, if it 
was becoming, it would reflect honor upon Society. They 
were frequently advised to pay strict attention to the duties 
of the Academy, as, in that way, the character of the Society 
might be greatly advanced. Neatness of dress and suavity 
of manners, were considered requisite in Philos. One of the 
Eparchs, in alluding to these particulars, remarks : 'The stu- 
dents of this place have often been remarked for their rus- 
ticity. Let this never be remarked of Philos. As rusticity 
is neither virtuous nor honorable, let each one endeavor to 
excel in the elegance of his manners.' 

" Such is an imperfect picture of the Philo Society during 
the first ten years of its existence. When we reflect upon 
the circumstances under which it was formed, and the difficul- 
ties which it had to encounter in its progress, we cannot but 
admire the wisdom and perseverance of its founders. In the 
laws which were formed for its government, we discern the 
traces of no inferior minds ; and in overcoming the obstacles 
which retarded its advancement, we see a zeal which an ardent 
thirst of learning, and the hope of being useful, could alone 
have inspired. Besides these motives, we can conceive of but 
few others which would have induced persons to attach them- 
selves to Society. For it was not in a hall hung with gaudy 
tapestry, and spread with the richest carpet ; it had no forty- 
dollar chair in which the Archon might sit at ease. The mem- 
bers had no other seats but long sawed planks, with stool feet ; 
no desks, no plastered walls, nor ceiling over their heads. 
The love of literature, and a desire of being useful, therefore, 
was the stimulus which enabled them to overcome every obsta- 
cle, and to found the Philo Literary Society — a Society to 
which many have since been proud to belong." 

The writer of the above sketch, as found in the historical 
records of the Philo Society, is the Rev. William Eaton, 



THE PHILO LITERARY SOCIETY. 153 

now pastor of the Presbyterian church in Morgantown, Vir- 
ginia. 

We have little more to add. In 1831, the Societies got 
their new and beautiful halls. The Philo Society seems to 
have spared no pains nor expense in adorning and beautifying 
their room. After a costly outfit of chairs, desks, rich tapes- 
try, candelabras, &c, they took formal possession on the 23d 
of June, 1832. The amusing style in which they record their 
defeats and triumphs, at the Contests, during those times, is 
the last thing we shall notice. In 1829, when the Franklin 
Society obtained most of the honors in the Contest, the Philo 
historian remarks : " At this Contest, our defeat was almost 
as the last. Our champions went forth, armed with mail and 
spear, only to be borne back, wounded, upon their own shields. 
The Composition was taken by the Franks : the Debate and 
Oration were divided. These disastrous consequences were, 
doubtless, to be traced to the spirit of indolence and misrule, 
to which the minutes of last year bear lamentable evidence. 
Success was impossible, and our household gods were left to 
the mercy of the Goths I" But when, in 1832, they could 
record their triumphs, the style is equally amusing : " The 
spirit of the Philo Society was on the ascendant. Victory 
perched upon her banners, not again to take its flight till the 
noble sons of the Philo Literary Society had swept the entire 
field, and struck astonishment and dismay into the ranks of 
our rivals. Mr. E.., our Composer, and Mr. R., our Debater, 
were crowned as victors, while the Franklins took only their 
favorite, the honor in select speaking." This style is really 
rich and amusing, and reminds us of many a passage in 
Weem's Life of Washington and of Marion. The insinuation 
about the favorite of the Franklin Society, is highly divert- 
ing, in view of signal triumphs of that Society in the other 
exercises, during some of the previous years, which the Philos 
were obliged to record. But who would begrudge them their 
chuckle, when their historian read this passage ? 



154 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



We now proceed to give the history of 

fytye ifranklin jT'tUrarp cScctctp. 

From an Address of the Rev. W. A. Passavant, delivered before that Society, at its 
Semicentennial Anniversary, November 14, 1847. 

The origin of the Franklin Society may be recorded in 
a few words. The place — the Canonsburg Academy ; the 
time — November 14th, 1797 ; the hour — seven o'clock in the 
evening — Sunday evening last, fifty years ago ; the founders — 
nine students — James Carnahan, Cephas Dodd, James Gal- 
braith, Thomas Hughes, David Imbrie, Jacob Lindly, Stephen 
Lindly, William Wood, and William Wick. Of this first 
meeting, it has been truly remarked — " Many a larger assem- 
bly has had a less lasting influence I'" 

The early laws and regulations of the Society are unfortu- 
nately lost. Some Solon, zealous in the collection of insti- 
tutes, has probably abstracted them from the minute-book. 
The original constitution, however, did not materially differ 
from the present one, and the objects which convened the first 
assembly — " Scientia, Amicitia et Virtus," have weekly 
assembled its members for half a century. 

It is a fact worthy of notice, that the first resolution ever 
passed by the Society was, that " The members be required 
to keep its business a profound secret." So fearful were they 
of any violation of this, that members were not permitted to 
read an essay in the Academy, which had already been read 
in Society. Subsequently, when leakages were discovered in 
certain quarters, married students were not eligible to mem- 
bership. The principle of secrecy then laid down, has ever 
since been sacredly recognized; and though its application 
has been occasionally carried to an excessive degree of strict- 
ness, the wisdom of this regulation must be apparent to all. 

Of the nine members who founded the Society, five were 
officers — a Chairman, Clerk, Inspector, and two Correctors. 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 155 

The duties of the Inspector answered to those of Vice Presi- 
dent, but it was made his duty " in particular, to watch over 
the morals of the members, and their diligence and attention 
to the business of the Academy." Judging by the number 
of citations on the minutes, this duty was faithfully performed. 
It was one of the duties of the Correctors, " to see that the 
minutes were well written, and to give out the words for the 
members to spell." The Society was divided into three classes, 
and these performances are thus recorded on the minutes — 
" One class offered compositions and translations ; another 
spoke select speeches; and a third read and spelled." Every 
one was required to read his essay carefully over before 
attempting it in Society, and if found to have neglected this, 
he was fined. Members from the lower classes of the Acad- 
emy were allowed to present translations from some Latin 
author, in lieu of a composition of their own. Those who 
debated were not exempt from the performances of their 
class — a fact which indicates the low estimate in which this 
exercise was then held. This order continued until 1810, 
when important changes were made in the constitution and 
by-laws. In 1817, the constitution was again revised and 
amended; and from that period the minutes wear a more 
modern dress. The subjects of the essays are no longer tran- 
scribed — the Chairman becomes a President, the Inspector a 
Vice President, the Clerk a Secretary, and the Correctors were 
dignified as Reviewers. At that time, too, a distinction was 
first made between the merits of an argument and those of 
the question. Debate was made the exclusive performance 
of one class, so that as many as eight members would partici- 
pate in the discussion. After this year, the exercise of spell- 
ing is no longer mentioned, and the " spelling class" was 
remembered only with a smile at the simplicity of early times. 
And here we pause and direct your attention to the char- 
acter of these exercises. Would that the power were given 
us, to wake again the long silent echoes of former years. 



156 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

But the breathing energy, the living voice is gone, and its 
earnest tones have passed away with those who gave them 
utterance. The glow of impassioned eloquence hath left no 
traces of its power ; and the flashes of wit, like the drops of 
morning dew, cannot be gathered again. The grace, the 
sparkle, and the form are gone ! To them, as to us who suc- 
ceeded them in later years, the Society was a world in miniature. 
Its circle bounded the sphere in which they moved. It had 
its chiefs and subordinates — its parties and divisions — its 
objects of ambition and objects of jealousy — its ardent friend- 
ships and bitter animosities — its noble strifes for intellectual 
mastery, and its topics of deep and all-absorbing interest. 
To them, as to us who occupied their places, the observance 
of its laws and the performance of its duties, seemed as vitally 
important as though the destiny of an empire depended on 
the issue ; and, like us, they entered into its exciting life with 
the whole ardor and enthusiasm of youth. We cannot pro- 
nounce on the merits of these early performances, or institute 
a comparison between them and those of the present day. 
The age and manners of the people were widely different from 
ours ; and these often gave character to the exercises of Society. 
But, while we at times involuntarily exclaim — sancta sim- 
plicitas ! oftener can we discover, in the subject of an essay, 
or the wording of a question, the presence of a secret power, 
which, in after years, made itself felt in the councils of the 
nation, or the churches of G-od. 

In perusing the annals of the Society, in the first years of 
its existence, we are struck with the tone and character of 
its decisions on some of the great questions which now agi- 
tate the frame-work of American society. To select one 
instance only, from many — as early as 1798, the question — 
" Would it be politic in the Southern States to abolish Negro 
Slavery?" was discussed and decided in the affirmative ! A 
vigorous writer, of the last century, in speaking of the Uni- 
versities of Europe, remarks, " Colleges have always been 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 157 

the cradles of liberal principles." The truth of the observa- 
tion is strikingly confirmed in the history of this Institution. 
The atmosphere of freedom floated over and around it — inspir- 
ing its sons with a quenchless love of liberty, and impelled 
them to write upon the monstrous system of human slavery, 
" delenda est !" They fervently sympathized with the manly 
utterance of Thomas Jefferson, on this subject, and in the 
hopefulness of truthful hearts, anticipated the hour 

" When Heaven upon our ransomed race 
Her bounteous gifts shall shower ; 
And every land and every sea 
Proclaims the blissful Jubilee — 
All bonds are broke, all men are free !" 

On other moral subjects, some of their decisions are 
strangely at variance with the common verdict of society at 
the present day. Thus, the question, " Would it not be more 
advantageous to cease the distillation of rye and raise more 
wheat ?" was unanimously decided in favor of " the Rye I" 
Some time after this decision, a similar question was dis- 
cussed — " Is not the use of spirituous liquors more injurious 
than beneficial to a country V This, also, was decided " in 
favor of spirituous liquors !" These decisions throw a strong 
light on the popular sentiment of that day, and may be 
accounted for without difficulty. The business of distilling 
was considered as respectable in that day as making flour, and 
the use of whisky was as universal as coffee or tea at the 
present time. No one was " Sessioned," whether Minister, 
Elder or Member, for taking as much as could be comfortably 
carried about their persons — though drunkenness was univer- 
sally discountenanced and denounced i 

A rich vein of humor often ran through the early perform- 
ances of the Society. A wider latitude, in this respect, was 
given to the members, than at present; and if we may judge 
from the subjects of debate and composition recorded on the 
minutes, they made good use of their liberty. Thus, for 
14 



158 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

instance, one member read a dialogue between " A Student 
and a Tailor," while another presented a dialogue between 
" A Spider and a Fly." A youth who had, doubtless, tasted 
sweeter dews than those of Castalia, edified Society with an 
eloquent essay on " Kissing." Brunot graphically described 
" the pleasure of having a clean pocket handkerchief." 
White convulsed the Society with laughter bya" description 
of a Country Singing School." Like the individual com- 
mended in the English Bards and Scotch Reviewers, for his 
happy selection of a subject suited to his capacities — a stupid 
fellow read, as an essay, " a description of an Ass." Black 
enlightened Society a on his own weakness," while Wills feel- 
ingly described " the Itch." 

If we may judge from the same records, the days of Chiv. 
airy were not yet over. There was a remnant of the old spirit 
which kindled into enthusiasm at woman's name, and fervently 
knelt at the shrine of her beauty, or broke a lance in defence 
of her charms. Thus the question — " Is female modesty 
natural or artificial ?" being debated at one of the first meet- 
ings of the Society, it was decided, by acclamation, to be 
natural. The question " ought a man to whip his wife on 
any occasion ?" was gallantly decided in the negative. The 
interesting question, "Is it proper that ladies should be 
deprived of courting, of which they are deprived by custom 
in this country ?" was discussed " with much warmth," as 
the faithful Secretary informs us, and this custom of our 
country was strongly condemned ! It has been hinted that 
if ladies would only take the invitation given by Franklins 
of tried and sterling worth, the rooms of Collegians would 
undergo an entire transformation. The gloomy old cloisters 
would smile and brighten, to enclose such angelic visitants. 
The chivalry of '96, in the very face of the constitution, 
politely decided " that the fair sez of Canonsburg should be 
admitted into the Franklin Society," while her ungallant sons 
of 1847 show no mercy to the poor unfortunate who has 






THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 159 

launched his hark on the sea of matrimony — and, for this one 
offence, debar him from membership ! 

The subjects of many of the essays, read in Society at this 
early day, strongly bring out the same sentiment. Thus, it 
is recorded, that Mitchell gave " a description of a beautiful 
damsel;" M' Donald, " an argument to prove that the female 
sex is the life of society ;" Jennings wrote " on the romance 
of a lady •" Bates " on preserving a medium in visiting the 
fair sex y" Roberts " on female efficacy ;" Chaplain " on the 
choice of a wife ;" Sturgeon " on the felicity of the married 
state ;" while Clayton brought the whole Society to the high- 
est pitch of indignation by "a love-letter," purporting to 
have been written by an injured and broken-hearted fair one ! 
A solitary individual, Caldwell, had the fortitude to stem the 
popular current of opinion, and chose for the subject of his 
essay, (t the horrid practice of dancing with the girls !" 

We resume the thread of our history. In this age of gold- 
dust and dollars, when Mammon rules most imperiously over 
the thoughts, feelings, and conduct of men, it will not be 
uninteresting to state a few facts concerning the financial his- 
tory of the Society. Of this, little can be said, so badly has 
the business been managed, and so disordered are the old 
accounts.' Students have never received much credit for busi- 
ness habits, and are far more worthy of a diploma for their 
spending, than their saving propensities — as the good people 
of these parts are duly aware ! Like the country apprentice, 
just opening a shop of his own, the Society, at first, " kept 
no books;" and, in the reports of the Inspectors, no mention 
is made of expenses. Each member, in turn, furnished can- 
dles, brought water, and kept the door, at the meetings of 
Society. " Lifting a collection," was the usual method 
resorted to, when funds were needed. Six years after the 
organization of Society, the rule was adopted requiring 
entrance moneys. The first initiation fee was only twenty -five 
cents 1 Prom 1811 to 1823, it was one dollar ; in the latter 



160 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

year it was raised to two dollars, and in 1832, a further addi- 
tion of several dollars was made. What it now is, those who 
have paid it know already ; while those who are curious, on 
this point, are invited to make the discovery as the speaker 
did. 

It has heen truly remarked, that the doctrine of fining has 
always heen kept alive, with religious fervor, in the Franklin 
Society. Some of the early punishments, and the ludicrous 
manner in which they are recorded on the old minutes, will 
serve to illustrate the manners of the primitive Franklins. 
The following are selected, as specimens, from many. Sinclair 
and Wilson were fined one cent each, " for laughing and talk- 
ing without permission." Henderson was fined five cents, 
for " a ridiculous composition," and two cents additional, 
" for frequently changing his own seat without permission." 
Moore was excused from performance " because he had no ink 
to write his composition." Graham was punished with a fine 
for " a continuation of cachinations." Knott was find six 
cents, for " offering a nocturnal sacrifice to Somnus ;" and 
Wallace the same sum " for holding the poker in his hand 
while debating." Among the delinquents, at a later day, the 
name of the Rev. Dr. Wm. Smith occurs, whose book-worm 
propensities, even at that early period, led him into the temp- 
tation of keeping books out of the Library beyond the 
constitutional time ! 

The jurisdiction of the Society extended over the conduct 
of its members, not only while in session, but also during the 
intervals. The early minutes contain many curious records 
in proof of this fact. Members were tried for profanity, play- 
ing cards, and becoming intoxicated — and, on conviction, were 
fined, suspended, or expelled, according to the aggravation of 
their offence. One member was found guilty of " acting dis- 
orderly in the streets of Canonsburg," and fined accordingly. 
The no-punishment doctrine, so popular at the present day 
with a certain class of self-styled Reformers, was utterly 






THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 161 

eschewed by the original Franklins. All deviations from law, 
both in and out of Society, were dealt with according to their 
just deserts. The Society soon became a terror to evil doers, 
and a praise to those who did well. Its moral influence over 
the students, was, in the highest degree, salutary, and often 
drew from the Faculty and Trustees of the College, a public 
acknowledgment of its worth. 

An interesting page in the history of the Society, contains 
the account of its judicial proceedings. The strictness of the 
early regulations, savor rather strongly of the celebrated Blue- 
laws, and the zeal with which they were enforced, reminds 
one of the activity displayed by the good people of New 
England, in burning witches and banishing Quakers, and 
other heretics, out of their coasts. 

Three lists were kept of the members. One contained the 
names of the regular members ; a second, the honorary ; and 
the third, called "The Black List," the names of those who 
were under the censure of Society. The first case of suspen- 
sion occurred some months after the organization of the 
Society, and was for " long continued neglect of the duties 
of a member." The next trial was that of M'Griffin, " for 
having left Society in a disorderly manner." When his trial 
came on, " he acknowledged his fault, and, on account of his 
youth and inexperience, was restored, with no other punish- 
ment than reproof." Such instances of leniency were not 
rare. A few weeks after the above, another M'Giffin was 
cited by the Inspector to answer the charges of " disrespect 
of Society, gambling for money, and violating the Sabbath 
day." Each of these crimes he confessed, but, on appearing 
sorrowful, was continued a member, as usual. In spite of 
sorrow and forgiveness, however, these M' Griffins again wan- 
dered from Franklin rectitude. One was punished with expul- 
sion from Society " for absenting himself" — and the other 
u for profanity," was deprived of "acting the Dialogue at the 
Contest !" 
14* 



162 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

The next trial of consequence, was on the impeachment of 
James Lytle. The impeachment itself, is an amusing instance 
of legal precision. Several charges were made. 1st. That 
he, the said James, being a member of said Society, on the 
16th of February, A. D. 1803, vi et armh — did beat, and in 
other respects evilly entreat Joseph Henderson, of said 
Society, without resistance being made, or actual assault given 
by said Joseph. 2d. Also, that the said James, notwithstand- 
ing he was honored with the office of Clerk of said Society, 
did, some subsequent time to said 16th of February, willfully 
drink spirituous liquors, by which he, the said James, was 
very much intoxicated, and being so intoxicated, did not con- 
ceal himself from public view, but did act in a very disorderly 
manner." The third charge was for betting for liquors — " to 
wit, whisky and cider." The fourth charged him with " act- 
ing riotously at Morrow's Tavern, and bantering James Smith 
to fight, either in a lot or even in the streets of Canonsburg !" 
The fifth charge was for neglect of his duties as a student and 
as a member of Society. On this multifarious impeachment, 
Lytle was tried and found guilty. For the four first crimes, 
he was fined heavily — and for the fifth, received an admoni- 
tion before Society. He was, also, required to confess sorrow 
for his past conduct, and to promise reformation for the future. 

The minutes, about this period, are crowded with such cases, 
and citation and impeachment appear to have been the order 
of the day ! In 1808, the Chairman was impeached for not 
opening and closing Society with prayer. A member was 
admonished, before Society, for saying "by Ned!" Fulton, 
who reported Morgan to the proper authority, for profanity, 
was himself convicted of profanity, saying "by George!" 
This appears to have been a profane period in our history. 
Several were fined for swearing, while some were suspended, 
according to the aggravation of the crime. Two members 
were found guilty of " card-playing and dice-casting," for 
which they were suspended four weeks. Hunter was tried 



THE FKANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 163 

on the charge of " having himself shaved on the Sabbath day, 
in his room, at the house of Joshua Emery." Of this he 
was acquitted, but another member convicted of the same 
offence was suspended ! 

The darkest page in the history of the Society occurs about 
this time. An unhappy spirit of dissension had found its 
way into the brotherhood, and the fine feelings of friendship 
were turned into the bitterest hatred. Accusations were 
signed by the members against each other, and few, if any of 
the officers escaped impeachment. A member, named Wills, 
who had previously been convicted of profanity, and severely 
punished, was again cited to answer the charge of a similar 
offence. "With this accusation, opened the stormiest period in 
the history of the Society ! Having been found guilty of 
the crime alleged, a punishment was annexed by the officers, 
not only unnecessarily severe, but in the highest degree 
arbitrary. The Society, however, sanctioned the decision of 
its officers, and refused to entertain a motion to reconsider the 
whole matter. Wills refusing to submit to the punishment 
imposed, was expelled on the following evening, immediately 
after the opening of Society. Smarting under this treatment, 
and evidently wishing to create a disturbance, he sought re- 
admission into the Society ; but his request was refused. His 
perseverance, however, overcame all obstacles ; and two weeks 
later, having again asked for admission, his request was 
granted. The question then arose, whether he should be re- 
admitted without taking the promise to obey the constitution, 
usually administered at the entrance of new members. Owing 
to the difference of opinion on this point among the members, 
a motion was made that the Rev. Mr. Dunlap, then President 
of the College, should have a vote in the settlement of this 
question. This proposal excited the indignation of a portion 
of the members to such a degree, that when the motion was 
put to vote, it instantly occasioned the disruption of the Society! 
The Secretary of that meeting, in recording these disgraceful 



164 filSTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE 

proceedings, mentions that " the vote was carried ;" but a 
" Nota Bene " is here inserted by the President, in these 
words — " Here is a positive falsehood, for a vote was refused 
to Mr. Dunlap, in the case of Wills, and upon this refusal, 
the supporters of order and morality withdrew." " But 
when it was determined," continues the Secretary, " that Mr. 
Wills should be admitted without taking the usual promise, 
the Society, after having spent the whole evening in warm 
debates, dissolved, sixteen declaring themselves to be no more 
members." This occurred in December, 1803. To the min- 
utes of this meeting the name of the Secretary is not attached ', 
but the Chairman gives the reason why the above N. B. was 
added — " To give a true idea of matters to future readers." 
A week passed by, and the difficulty remained unsettled. 
The usual evening of meeting arrived, but no Society con- 
vened. In reality, it no longer existed ; and members con- 
sidered themselves free from all obligations to obey the 
constitution. At length the Faculty of the College took the 
matter into consideration, and a reconciliation was effected 
between the two parties. A meeting was held, two weeks 
after its dismemberment, and through their intervention the 
Society was again re-organized. Of this meeting, however, 
two distinct and contradictory statements are contained in the 
minutes. One of these asserts, that it was the unanimous 
opinion of the Faculty, that the Society should not be dis- 
solved, but should continue to meet as usual, some amend- 
ments being made in its constitution. The other account 
states, that "the proceedings of the former Franklin Society, 
having been for some time disorderly and immoral, a number 
of the members, deeming the end for which it was instituted 
defeated, protested against the proceedings and withdrew." 
After this an entire cessation of business took place. The 
Faculty of the College took the state of the Society into con- 
sideration, and agreed that it should be dissolved, and a new 
one instituted by such of the old members as they should 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 165 

nominate. Some of these having been called together, agreed 
to obey the constitution, with various amendments, and to 
constitute a- new Society, bearing the name of the former. 
None who were members of the old Society were made 
acquainted with the business of the new, previous to their 
becoming members of it; and it was resolved, that the new 
members should not have access to the minutes of the old 
Society. "It was also resolved, that the minutes also be 
written from that time, without any reference to the past." * 
With these distinct and contradictory accounts to perplex and 
embarrass the mind of the Franklin historian, it becomes a 
matter of no small difficulty to date the origin of the Society. 
As, however, the new Association was composed of a majority 
of the old members, met for the same purpose, and governed 
by the same constitution, in the main, we shall not hesitate 
to trace back our origin, as we have always done, to November 
14th, 1797. Few of the present members know anything of 
this unfortunate dismemberment. So strong is the golden 
chain of friendship, which now binds all hearts together, 
none would have imagined that it had been rudely broken ! 

During the first years of its existence the Society was with- 
out a library. The want of books does not seem to have been 
seriously felt, and no efforts were made to procure them. It 
is a singular historical fact, that the present library originated 
in the want of a standard of appeal, by which the merits of 
the class in spelling might be tested. To remedy this, a pro- 
poposal was made on the 10th of September, 1799, "that a col- 
lection be lifted for the purpose of purchasing such a Dictionary 
as may be thought necessary for the Society." This proposal, 
after lying on the minutes for one week, was duly considered 
and adopted the succeeding evening. Walker's Dictionary 
was selected as the standard, and for many years was used by 

* We are indebted for the above account to the manuscript history of the 
Franklin Literary Society, already referred to. 



166 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

the officers as the final arbiter, " when the class came out to 
spell ! " This was the first work purchased by the Society, 
and the first volume in the library. Around this nucleus the 
fine collection of books, which now adorns the hall of the 
Society, gradually clustered. 

As early as 1813, the members imposed upon themselves 
the payment of a certain sum each session, towards the pur- 
chase of useful books and the increase of the library. Since 
then, it has been almost exclusively from the contributions of 
the regular members. The present library numbers nearly 
3,000 volumes, and comprises many of the most valuable 
standard works in the English language, in History, Poetry, 
Philosophy, Theology and the Natural Sciences. The admi- 
rable order in which they are kept, and the fine appearance 
they present, never fail to call forth the commendation of 
strangers who visit the College ; while the literary treasures 
they contain, and the advantages they afford, can be appre- 
ciated only by those who enjoy them. 

At first, the duties of the present Librarian were attended 
tc by the Secretary. The Library was opened every third 
week on the evening of Society. This order continued as 
late as 1829, when it was resolved to open it one hour every 
Saturday afternoon. Owing to the increase of members, and 
the taste for reading among the students, it is now opened 
several times a week. 

For many years the two Societies had their book-case in 
common. In 1821, the share of the Franklin Society was 
transferred to the Philos, after much financiering on both 
sides, and the appointment of numerous committees to settle 
this important transaction. The Society then procured a 
" standing library case, made of pine, and painted green, hav- 
ing the words The Franklin Library painted in a right line 
along the door." This elegant piece of furniture continued 
in use until the erection of the new College, and as it could 
not be sold, was gratuitously presented to the Faculty ! 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 167 

The custom of appointing Library Committees every ses- 
sion, has existed ever since there was a library. A report of 
such a committee, in 1832, of which Washington M'Cartney, 
Esq., was Chairman, still remains. This report is particu- 
larly interesting for the information it contains, concerning 
the library, and the facetious style in which it is written. 
The number of volumes in the library, at that time, was 
676 ; and no less than 300 are reported as having been lost. 
The committee deprecate in the strongest terms the habit of 
lending books to the ladies — to which custom they ungallantly 
attribute the loss of many of the volumes ! This caveat did 
not, however, produce the desired reformation, and through 
the gallantry of the members, the library opened its treas- 
ures, as before, to the fair readers of Canonsburg and vicinity. 

As contests between Literary Societies were formerly pecu- 
liar to Jefferson College, it becomes a matter of interest to 
inquire into the origin of this custom, which has been intro- 
duced into the principal institutions of learning in the South 
and West. From the minutes of August, 1799, it appears 
that a proposal was brought forward by W. Neile, — " That a 
challenge be given to the Philo Literary Society for four mem- 
bers to be chosen out of each Society, for the purpose of read- 
ing compositions, speaking select orations, and debating at 
the Fall Examination, before the Trustees, and that they pub- 
licly give their opinion which Society has gained the victory." 

Neile's proposition was received with enthusiasm by the 
chivalrous Franklins, and a challenge to a Literary Contest 
was forthwith sent to the Philo Society, who at once accepted 
it. Such is the origin of Literary Contests in the United 
States ! The honor of their suggestion belongs to a member 
of this Society ; and the honor of their introduction, to the 
Society itself ! It may well be asked, " What results may 
not be traced to that simple proposal on an obscure page of 
our Minutes V Who that has breathed the inspiring atmos- 
phere which this custom has infused into College life, but will 



168 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

acknowledge its commanding influence on the minds of young 
men. Doubtless, it has blasted many ambitious hopes, and 
occasioned the bitterest disappointments. Its victories, too, 
have sometimes been more fatal to character than defeat. But 
these are not necessary evils, and, at most, are confined to 
few, while its advantages are enjoyed by all. They elevate 
the standard of literary excellence — discover and develop 
latent talent — exercise the judgment — correct the taste, and 
furnish the mind with proper incentives to exertion. We 
hesitate not to make the assertion — and its truthfulness will 
be confirmed by those who are acquainted with the facts — 
that in the Contest performances of these Societies, there are 
specimens of as rare and classical beauty, as can be found in 
the pages of the Spectator, the orations of Burke, or the 
debates of Pitt, Sheridan, and Fox ! 

The Contest had not, at first, precisely the same features as 
at present. One composer, one select orator, and two debaters 
were annually chosen. We are not informed how the debate 
was managed, whether the honor was conferred on an in- 
dividual contester for superiority, or on two of them for their 
Society — as would appear from the wording of the proposal. 
At the third Contest, a composer and orator were elected, and 
two members from each Society, "to act a dialogue," while 
at the next Contest, two were selected to speak, one to read 
a composition, and one to take part in a dialogue. The fol- 
lowing year, the order of exercises was again changed, and 
the dialogue gave place to debate. At the suggestion of the 
Trustees, the Societies, in 1814, made further alterations in 
the Contest. The debate was limited to two persons — one 
from each Society, who were allowed to occupy twenty-five 
minutes. This arrangement, excepting, perhaps, the limita- 
tion in the time of performance, continued until 1832, when 
the original oration was added to the other exercises. It 
would appear, that the honor of composition was, at first, 
considered the highest. This is probable, from the fact that 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 169 

one member having resigned on composition, another who had 
been elected debater, was chosen to fill his place, and a re-elec- 
tion held for debate. The old minutes contain the questions 
discussed at these Contests. Some of these would puzzle 
older and wiser heads than young shoulders usually carry. 
Such, for instance, is the question debated at the contest of 
1810 : "Is the soul created immediately at the time of its 
infusion into the body ?" 

The primitive manner in which the Contests were conducted, 
may be conjectured from various amusing details recorded on 
the minutes. So late as 1817, a committee was appointed 
" to build the stage, hold the candles, snuff them, carry water, 
and do all the little drudgeries implied in the nature of their 
office !" Their successors — the honorable " Committee of 
Arrangements," who now do the honors of Society to Judges, 
and fare sumptuously with these dignitaries, at its expense, 
may congratulate themselves on this evidence of progress. 
Offices half a century ago, were no sinecures, and " the little 
drudgeries" of the above resolution, would now be considered 
too formidable an affair for any committee to undertake. It 
was then, however, an honor " to hold the candles, snuff them, 
and carry the water," which was conferred only on members 
of the more advanced classes ! 

The collection and transcription of the Contest performances 
is of comparatively recent origin, and it is to be regretted 
that many of these are irrecoverably lost. No decisions have 
been preserved further back than the Contest of 1809. In 
the thirty-one years which elapsed between that time and 
1840, (since which we have not the decisions,) our sister 
Society has gained four more debates and even one more select 
speech than we; while the Franklins have borne away the 
palm nine times more for composition, and once more for 
original oration. We take it for granted, that there has been 
no falling off since then, and the old Franklin is still excelsior ! 

The history of the Contest would be incomplete, unless 

ih 



170 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

reference were made to the Articles of Convention between 
the two Societies. In 1818, at the suggestion of the Frank- 
lin Society, the first articles were formed. These were very 
incomplete, and had little resemblance to those in force at a 
later period. The correspondence of the Societies previous 
to this, was marked by little of the high and honorable bear- 
ing which now characterizes their mutual intercourse. They 
regarded each other not as friends, engaged in a generous 
rivalry, but as almost enemies, in conquering whom, it was 
lawful to employ any species and means of warfare. This 
unhappy jealousy often led to mutual recrimination, and, 
sometimes, even resulted in open ruptures between the Socie- 
ties. It is amusing to read the series of terrific resolutions 
forwarded from one Society to the other ; which at the time, 
smoked with wrath, but now lie before us like spent thunder- 
bolts ! Happy as has been the influence of these conventional 
Articles upon the Societies, it must be confessed, that there 
has not been always calm and sunshine. Difficulties connected 
with the Contest, and other subjects, have sometimes thrown 
their dark shadows over our sky. One of these, occurring 
in 1827, remained unsettled until 1830, when the Articles of 
Agreement were annulled by our sister Society. The annual 
Contest was held as usual, but, owing to this difficulty, no 
decisions were made. Other Articles were afterwards agreed 
upon, and these again, in the memory of some now present, 
became in turn, "a bone of contention." But kindness, and 
the spirit of mutual concession, finally removed every difficulty, 
and Friendship has bound her golden chain more closely and 
firmly around these Brother bands ! 

We now come to a period in our history when old things 
passed away, and all things became new ! The erection of 
the new College, and the dedication of the present hall, was 
the advent of our Augustan age. We have seen the Society 
in its infancy and youth, we now behold it entering upon its 
manhood. The name and features remain the same, but how 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 171 

great the change which hath passed upon its spirit ! It hath 
put away childish things. Its step is firm and steady, its 
voice, the voice of a man, and its deliberations, though warmed 
by the fervor of youth, are tempered by the wisdom of riper 
years. 

Both the literary Societies of this Institution delight to 
refer back to this interesting period. Never was there a 
brighter era in our common history. The enthusiasm of the 
members was raised to the highest pitch. To furnish and 
adorn the new hall, in a style worthy of the object to which 
it was devoted, was the great ambition of the members. Com- 
mittee after committee was appointed, and resolutions upon 
resolutions were passed, with reference to this matter. No 
expense was to be spared in its decoration. It was resolved 
that the floor be covered with the best imported carpets ; that 
the room be furnished with settees and sociables ; that the 
walls be painted a light blue, with an appropriate border ; 
that the name of the Society be inscribed, in gilt letters, above 
the door ; that the windows, together with the stage and ros- 
trum, be hung with handsjftae drapery; and the hall and 
library room be heated -fey suitable stoves. These, with a 
variety of minor arrangements, indicate the feelings of Society. 
The expenses of these numerous outlays, were nobly borne 
by the members, who vied with each other in their devotion 
to the Society. It has been beautifully and appropriately 
said : " They seemed to bend every thought and purpose to 
adorn the Nuptial Hall, where they were to wed Literature ; 
as the young bride will visit often the destined chamber, dis- 
posing and arranging its furniture ; smoothing the pillow till 
it is free from wrinkle as her own brow, and as she leaves, 
still lingers and blushes at the strange flutterings of her heart." 

The spirit of activity, which was called into life at this 
period, did not confine itself to the decoration of the new hall. 
The minutes, and other papers of Society, were collected and 
arranged ; the Legislature was applied to for an Act of Incor- 



172 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

poration, (which was almost obtained,) and the whole internal 
frame-work of the Society was new-modeled. The struggle 
of Greece for liberty from the grievous thraldom of the Turk, 
at that time, called forth an enthusiastic address from the 
Society, and resolutions were adopted to aid the revival of 
Literature on its classic soil, and the establishment of a Col- 
lege at Athens ! 

On the 22d of June, 1832, the new hall of the Society was 
dedicated. The record of this event on the minutes, is as fol- 
lows : " The Literary Societies of the College convened on 
the banks of the Chartiers, and, accompanied by the Faculty 
and a few Honorary members, walked in procession, to excel- 
lent music, through the streets of Canonsburg, and entered 
tfheir respective halls." The Dedicatory Address before the 
Franklin Society was delivered by Washington JUT Cartney, 
Esq., after which the beautiful hall was devoted to the sacred 
purposes of Literature, Friendship and Virtue, with appro- 
priate ceremonies. 

The history of the Society, since this interesting period, 
has been one of constant and increasing prosperity. Within 
a twelve-month after the dedication of the new hall, the roll 
of regular members numbered eighty. With each succeeding 
year, the proportion of members from the higher classes in 
College increased ; and thus the Society grew with the growth 
and strength of our Alma Mater. There was also a corres- 
ponding improvement in the character of the exercises. The 
standard of literary excellence was greatly elevated, and a 
higher tone and character imparted to it, by the scholarship 
and talent of numerous gifted minds. The influence of the 
Society on the literary tastes and habits of its members became 
more marked and decided. It dignified and made honorable 
the pursuits of knowledge, and all who sat under its refresh- 
ing shade felt the magic of its power. From this period, too, 
the Society seems to have directed its energies to the cultiva- 
tion of Science and Literature, as its proper objects, leaving 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 173 

to other institutions the correction of moral delinquency and 
the reformation of moral character. And finally, since the 
same period, the spirit of partyism and narrow clannish feeling 
has gradually hecome weaker and fainter in both Societies. 
The time is forever past, when we stood like 

" Heights — whose mining depths so intervened 
That they could meet no more." 

The recollection of that day is fast fading from memory, and 
we would not renew it. Perish the hand which would again 
throw the apple of discord among brethren of Friendship's 
firm-knit family ! 

Our work is done. The history of the Society in later 
days, and its present flourishing condition, are as familiar to 
many of this audience, as household words. We have only 
to regret the incompleteness of our information, and the imper- 
fection of our own labor. If, occasionally, we have indulged 
in digression, so has Homer, in his veracious narrative of the 
adventures of Ulysses. If we have been prosy, so at times 
is Herodotus, the Father of History, whom we have endeav- 
ored to imitate, in being the faithful chronicler of the times. 

On a soiled and almost illegible page of the old Minutes, 
the following prophetic passage occurs. It bears the date of 
January, 1798, and concludes the report of James Oarnahan, 
one of the first Inspectors. " The Franklin Society promises 
to exceed our highest expectations : we trust it will be an 
honor to the members, a benefit to the Academy, and will 
extend its happy influence throughout America \" The ven- 
erable President of the College of New Jersey has lived to 
see his prophecy fulfilled ! 

G-o where we may, throughout America, we meet with stu- 
dents of Jefferson College, and the members of this Society. 
The graves of our departed brethren cover the land; 

" Their spirits wrap our dusky mountains, 
Their memory sparklos o'er our fountains." 

15* 



174 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Many, also, have gone to the Missions beyond the seas. Con- 
secrating themselves to the work of the Apostolate, they have 
fallen with their armor on, in the holy conflict for souls. The 
Indian, the Ethiopian, the Scythian, the Persian, the China- 
man, have heard and obeyed their word. Christianity and 
Civilization, with the blessings of Science, Virtue, and the 
holy influences of Friendship, have followed their steps. And 
in those lands of darkness, an unknown force of moral regen- 
eration has appeared, which will develop and perpetuate itself 
in all coming time, and live indestructible in the midst of 
revolution and ruin. But they have died. And now, after 
life's fitful fever, they sleep well ! 

Our living brethren, and their name is legion, are every 
where. They fill all offices, and are found in every depart- 
ment and situation of life. They occupy the bench of the 
Judiciary ; the halls of the Legislature ; the seats of Con- 
gress and the Senate ; the high places of Government, and 
the higher places of the Church. They are Instructors, Pas- 
tors, Professors and Presidents of Institutions of Learning, 
in three Continents. They are Ambassadors at Foreign Courts, 
and Members of the Learned Societies of Europe and Amer- 
ica. They seem to be possessed of the power of ubiquity. 
Though eight years have elapsed since we left these sacred 
walls, we have never taken a journey, either long or short, 
without meeting the face of some brother Franklin ! In the 
stage coach, on the steam boat, in the rail road car, on ship 
board, in the French "diligence," in the German "eilwagen," 
every where, and under every variety of circumstances, we 
have met and recognized the members of this Society. How 
sweet to meet in later life the companions of our youth. Ten- 
der recollections are awakened by looking again upon well 
known features. But few recollections are more sacred than 
those called up by meeting with some companion of College 
hours. A mysterious brotherhood unites the sons of the same 
Institution. And should that companion be a class-mate, the 



THE FRANKLIN LITERARY SOCIETY. 175 

connection is still closer. The hours spent in the same pur- 
suits, over the same volume, in the same company, and at 
the same recitation, are dear to the remembrance. They were 
once thought tiresome, but we ever recur to such friendships, 
as green spots in the journey of life. But should this com- 
panion and that classmate be a Franklin, the mutual satisfac- 
tion would be complete. To meet with such a one, would be — 

" To grasp the hand 
Of brother in a foreign land I" 

Distance could not remove such remembrances, nor time efface 
the impression which such a meeting would renew. The frosts 
of age would melt from round the heart, and the affections 
flow again, in the long forgotten channels of early years ! * 

How gladly would I linger among the labyrinths of memo- 
ry, and impress upon your minds the lessons of wisdom which 
it teaches ! But the lateness of the hour forbids any length- 
ened remarks. The topics which have been suggested by the 
record of the past, are too numerous to refer to, and too inti- 
mately connected with our internal history to enlarge upon. 
But if the voice of the past, speaking to us through the his- 
tory of this Society and College, has given utterance to one 
fact more certain and prominent than all others, it is, that 
the truth of God is the appointed instrumentality for the regen- 
eration and civilization of the world. That truth, which God 
has revealed in his word, and written in living characters over 
the broad face of nature — two volumes, but one book — con- 
stitute the stone and the sling, to smite with death the gigan- 
tic forms of wrong, under which the whole creation groaneth 
and travaileth in pain until now. Simple weapons, yet how 
effective ! None other is needed. The truth, in its illustri- 
ous simplicity, in its harmonious proportions, in the strength 
of its native energy, in the sublime consciousness of its own 
rectitude, is omnipotent. It must and will prevail ! 

*MS. History of Franklin Society. 



176 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

To the study and advocacy of that truth — which is mighty 
and which maketh free — consecrate the years and energies of 
your whole life. It will lead you to its great Author, and 
standing in His presence, you will look forth over the hroad 
field of the world, with the holy resolution, to live, labor, 
suffer, do and die in the service of humanity, and to stamp 
upon society the impress of truth, in characters which shall 
remain when sun and moon are no more ! 

We have met on this occasion to renew the recollections of 
the past, and to exchange the signs and words of friendship — 
like ships on the ocean, which exchange signals and then pur- 
sue their different courses upon the pathless deep. But ere 
we part, and " mingle with the universe," from which we 
have escaped to participate in the solemnities of this night, 
let us again unite the Student's song, and, with heart and 
soul, give a " vivat" to our Alma Mater ! Then — 

Gaudeamus igitur 
Juvones dum sumus, 
Post jucundam juventutem, 
Post molestam senectutem, 
Nos habobit humus ! 

Vivat Academia, 

Vivant Professores, 

Vivat menibrurn quodlibet* 

Vivant membra quselibet, 

Sempor sint in Flore ! 
Vivat et rospublica, 
Et qui iliani regit, 
Vivat nostra civitas, 
Maecenatum caritas, 
Qujb nos hie proteget 



QUESTIONS DEBATED IN CONTESTS. 



It will doubtless afford interest and amusement to see a 
list of the Questions which were debated at the Contests, since 
they began. They are as follows : 

1799. Whether the Mathematics or the Languages, Latin 
and Greek, be more necessary ? 

1802. Whether is luxury or war most ruinous to Nations? 

1801. Should a Governor, when elected into office, under 
our present form of government, fill all the offices under 
his jurisdiction with men of the same political senti- 
ments with himself? 

1805. Are the natural talents of men superior to those of 
women ? 

1806. Would it be policy in the United States immediately 
to emancipate their slaves ? 

1807. Can the immortality of the soul be discovered by the 
light of nature ? 

1808. Would it be policy for the Americans to join in alli- 
ance with France, should a war take place between 
America and Great Britain? 

1809. Are animals, inferior to man in the order of creation, 
possessed of immortal souls? 

1810. Is the soul created immediately at the time of its infu- 
sion into the body ? 

1811. Should a system of religion, which is contrary to the 
Holy Scriptures, be tolerated by civil governments ? 

(177) 



178 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

1812. Should capital punishment be inflicted in a well-regu- 
lated government ? 

1813. Should conscience be the ultimate rule of duty? 

1814. Is the Deity discoverable by the light of nature ? 

1815. Is the human understanding naturally right? 

1816. Does the belief of moral truth necessarily incite to 
the fulfilling of moral obligations ? 

1817. Is a high degree of refinement favorable to the Chris- 
tian religion ? 

1818. Is war naturally lawful? 

1819. Is there any such thing in human nature as disin- 
terested benevolence? 

1820. Suitable provision being made for the comfortable 
settlement of the blacks of this country in Africa, and 
for transporting them thither, would the Government 
of the United States, at any time of peace and common 
prosperity, be justifiable in passing a law, compelling 
them to colonize? 

1821. Is a high degree of sensibility conducive to our pre- 
sent happiness ? 

1822. Is language a human invention ? 

1825. Would a community of goods contribute to the' hap- 
piness of a people ? 

1829. Should Ecclesiastics have a vote in National Councils ? 

1830. Is utility the rule of moral action ? 

1831. Should a Republican government support a standing 
army in time of peace ? 

1832. Does a paucity of laws, as among the American Sav- 
ages, subject man to greater evils than a superabundance 
of laws, as among the civilized Europeans ? 

1833. Should the power of pardoning those who commit 
offences against the laws (the military excepted) exist 
in a republican government ? 

1834. Should capital punishment be inflicted by civil gov- 
ernments ? 



QUESTIONS DEBATED IN CONTESTS. 179 

1836. Should the Government of the United States discour- 
age, by powerful restrictions, immigrations from Europe 
— not including that of paupers ? 

1839. Should provision be made by law for the maintenance 
of the poor ? 

1840. Should emulation be encouraged as a stimulus in 
education ? 

1841. Is our present Constitution more likely to terminate 
by the encroachment of the State Governments on the 
powers of the Federal Government, than by the consol- 
idation of the powers of the States in the Federal Gov- 
ernment ? 

1846. Is the human mind always active ? 

1855. Should our judicial officers be chosen by the people 
directly ? 

1856. Is there in the human mind a principle of disinter- 
ested benevolence? 

1857. Should emulation be encouraged in common schools, 
as a stimulus to education ? 

N. B. For the years omitted, the questions could not be obtained; and in 
some instances, there was no Contest. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



OF THE 1111 



REV. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D 

The former President of Washington and Jefferson Colleges. 



BY REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, D. D 



The words " the memory of the just is blessed/' express an 
aphorism sanctioned by the spirit of inspiration. Accordingly, 
the Jews, whenever they named an eminently just man who was 
deceased, were in the habit of adding, " let his memory be 
blessed." This practice of preserving the memory of good 
men, seems to fall within the scope and teachings of God's 
word on the subject : "The righteous shall be had in ever- 
lasting remembrance." " The elders, by faith, obtained a 
good report." And of the woman who poured the precious 
ointment upon the head of the Saviour, he himself declared 
that " Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole 
world, there shall also this that this woman hath done, be told 
for a memorial of her." By thus recording and preserving 
the memory of good men — their sayings and their actions — 
they are made to live over again, and to furnish lessons to 
surviving generations. " He being dead yet speaketh," is an 
affirmation of the spirit of God, respecting Abel. And so it 
may be said of any other good man, on whom the grave has 
closed, and whose memory has been preserved. His good 
deeds live in history, and what he said and did while living, 

(180) 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. BROWN. 181 

re said and done by him, in the records of his life. The 
•demands of duty, therefore, as well as the promptings of 
friendship, require that there be some recorded memorial of 
a venerable and distinguished man, well known throughout 
the Church, who has lately been removed to the eternal world. 
The Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., has closed his earthly 
labors, and gone where neither the applause nor the censure 
of mortals can reach him. He was a man of strongly marked 
character. With certain inequalities of physical tempera- 
ment, he was distinguished by many high attributes of a reli- 
gious, intellectual, and social kind. Occupying as he did, 
during a large portion of his life, posts of public observation 
and influence, which brought him into contact with various 
classes of men, and in conflict often with their passions and 
prejudices, it is not surprising that he sometimes incurred 
their censure, and was subjected to harsher judgments, than 
a calm and dispassionate review of his whole life will accord 
to him. And we doubt not but that when his defects and 
eccentricities shall have been forgotten, or remembered only 
to be excused, the high moral attributes of his character will 
remain deeply embalmed in many a Christian heart. 

Dr. Brown was descended from pious and respectable ances- 
tors. His paternal grandfather, John Brown, was a native 
of Ireland, but of Scottish descent. He emigrated to this 
country about the year 1720. Not long after his arrival in 
Pennsylvania, he died, leaving five sons, all of whom were 
distinguished for their religious character. His son Matthew, 
the father of Dr. Brown, was born in 1732. He resided 
some years on Conodoquinnet creek, in the vicinity of Car- 
lisle, Pennsylvania. From thence he removed to White Deer 
Valley, Northumberland county, of which place he was one 
of the early settlers. He was a ruling elder in the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, to which the family of Brown belonged. 
He is reported to have been a man of talents, and of great 
sprightliness and wit. He took an active part in the early 

ie 



182 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

utages of the Revolutionary struggle for independence, and 
was a member of what was called the " Flying camp." In 
this service he contracted a fever, of which he died, in 1778, 
at the age of forty-six. He left eight children, of whom 
Matthew } the subject of the present notice, was the youngest. 
He (Matthew) was born in the year 1776, two years before 
his father's death. Upon the demise of his father, young 
Matthew and his brother Thomas were adopted by William 
Brown, his father's brother, who had no children of his own. 
This William Brown resided in Dauphin county, near to Har- 
risburg, and, as Commissioner of that county, assisted in 
laying out the town which is now the seat of government of 
the State of Pennsylvania. He was much in public life, and 
being a man of reading, as well as public spirit, he was fre- 
quently called upon to serve his fellow citizens in posts of 
honor and trust. He was repeatedly in the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, and, as a member of that body, in 1776, it is 
said that he was the first who proposed the gradual emanci- 
pation of the slaves within the Commonwealth ; a measure 
which, though not favorably received at the time, was after- 
wards adopted. He was, moreover, a member of the Conven- 
tion which formed the Constitution of the State in 1790. 
His name appears among the signers to that instrument. He 
was also sent at one time as a Commissioner to Ireland and 
Scotland, on behalf of the Covenanters, to procure for them 
a supply of ministers. In this mission he was successful, 
and on his return brought with him Messrs. Lmd and Dob- 
bin, the former of whom was settled and preached for some 
time in a church erected on Mr. Brown's farm. We have 
other particulars of an interesting nature, respecting this gen- 
tleman, but which are reserved for the present. They may 
appear in connection with a more extended notice of Dr. 
Brown, at some future day. 

It was with this uncle that the subject of this notice was 
placed after the death of his father. There, in a school in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. BROWN. 183 

the neighborhood, he received his elementary education, pre- 
paratory to his being sent to college. In due time he entered 
Dickinson College, at Carlisle, where he was graduated on 
the 5th of May, 1794, during the Presidency of Dr. Nisbet, 
for whom he always entertained the very highest regard. 
Among his classmates were the Rev. Drs. Herron and Laird, 
of Western Pennsylvania, and the Hon. Alexander Nisbet, of 
Baltimore, son of Dr. Nisbet, President of the College. After 
his graduation, he was engaged in teaching a classical school 
in Northumberland county, near the place of his nativity, 
where he became intimately acquainted with the celebrated 
Dr. Priestley, and other distinguished men in that region. 
This was probably before he commenced the study of theology 
— when he made a public profession of religion, we are not 
at present able to state ; nor are we informed at what time he 
commenced his theological studies. It was probably about 
the year 1796, as he was licensed October 3d, 1799 ; and the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, by which he was licensed, are known, 
for a long period, to have exacted a three years course of 
study of their candidates before licensure. His theological 
studies were pursued in part with Dr. Nisbet, and in part with 
Dr. King, both of whom were learned and able men, and 
sound theologians. Two years after he was licensed, he 
accepted a call from the united congregations of Mifflin and 
Lost Creek, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Hunting- 
don, and on the 6th of October, 1801, he took his dismission 
to that Presbytery, and was by tHem ordained, and installed 
in due time as the pastor of the above named Churches. Here 
he labored faithfully for several years, in the midst of a good 
deal of reproach and opposition, on the part of a few disaf- 
fected persons, who were connected as pew-holders with the 
congregation of Mifflin. Finding his situation uncomfortable, 
and having a call from the congregation of Washington, Penn- 
sylvania, a.nd an invitation from the Board of Trustees of 
Washington Academy, he accepted these offers, and having 



184 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

obtained a dismission from his pastoral charge, he removed to 
Washington in the spring of 1805. There he labored in the 
double capacity of pastor and principal of the Academy, hav- 
ing an assistant to aid him in the business of giving instruc- 
tion. During the spring of 1806, the Academy of which he 
was the principal became merged in Washington College, a 
charter for that purpose having been procured from the Legis- 
lature of Pennsylvania. It was eminently through his influ- 
ence, and that of one or two others, that this charter was 
obtained. Of the new College, Dr. Brown was elected Presi- 
dent, on the 13th of December, 1806, retaining, at the same 
time, his pastoral connection with the congregation. This 
imposed upon him duties of a very arduous kind ; and to 
meet the responsibilities of his situation, he was obliged to 
labor with unceasing assiduity. Nor did he labor in vain. 
The results of his efforts were soon rendered visible, in the 
growing prosperity of the Church, and in the healthful and 
extended reputation of the College. It is true that, owing 
to the proximity of Jefferson College, which was only seven 
miles distant, and which was then, as now, extensively patron- 
ized, the number of students at Washington increased rather 
slowly, and the number of graduates, during his administra- 
tion, was not very large. But among those who were gradu- 
ated, during the ten years of his incumbency, there were 
many who have since risen to stations of eminence in the 
different learned professions, and a few who have acquired 
considerable distinction in the political world. During the 
progress of events, and from causes which, in a sketch of 
this kind, need not be investigated, some dissatisfaction arose 
in the minds of some who were intimately connected with 
the College, against Dr. Brown. This led to the adoption of 
measures in the Board, having for their object the separation 
of the duties of the College from those of the congregation. 
After various conferences on the subject, and some conflict of 
opinion and of feeling, Dr. Brown, on the 16th of December, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. BROWN. 185 

1816, tendered to the Board his resignation of the Presidency 
of the College, preferring to retain his pastoral charge of the 
Church, to which he was bound by many solemn and tender 
ties. 

The reputation which Dr. Brown acquired, as the President 
of Washington College, attracted attention to him abroad, 
and in different directions. The Trustees of Centre College, 
at Danville, Kentucky, tendered to him the Presidency of 
that Institution. This he declined. And we know that at 
one time, though at a later period, his name was prominently 
before the Board of Dickinson College, for the same station. 
In 1822, however, he was elected to the Presidency of Jeffer- 
son College, at Canonsburg, which he accepted, and shortly 
afterwards entered upon the duties of his office. By his acces- 
sion, new vigor was infused into that Institution, and during 
the whole of his administration, a period of twenty-three 
years, it continued to enjoy a high degree of prosperity. As 
evidence of this, it may be noted that the aggregate number 
of those who were graduated under his Presidency was seven 
hundred and seventy, making an average number per annum 
of fully thirty-three. This fact truly attests the skill and 
vigor with which the College was conducted. And it is 
worthy of special observation, that of this large number of 
graduates, not less than three hundred and fifty became min- 
isters of the Gospel, the greater portion of them in the Pres- 
byterian Church. It is due also to truth to state that of the 
ministers now in the Presbyterian Church, (Old School,) there 
are more who have been graduated at Jefferson College than 
at any other single College in the United States. During 
Dr. Brown's incumbency, also, the College shared frequently 
and largely in the renewing influences of the Spirit of G-od, 
which were poured out upon it from time to time. This is 
to be attributed to a great degree, under G-od, to his faithful 
labors, and those of his colleagues, not only in the pulpit, 
but in visiting the students in their rooms, and conversing 
16* 



186 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

and praying with them in private. Few Presidents of a Col- 
lege have been more faithful or assiduous in this department 
of labor than he was, and few Colleges have been more largely 
blessed in the visible fruits of such labor than that of Jeffer- 
son. For several years after Dr. Brown removed to Canons- 
burg, he preached by invitation a part of each Sabbath in 
conjunction with Dr. M'Millan, at Chartiers, of which Dr. 
M'Millan was the pastor. After some time, a separate organi- 
zation was effected in the town of Canonsburg, in connection 
with the College, and Dr. Brown became their regular pastor, 
and continued to serve them in that capacity until he resigned 
the Presidency of the College, when the pastoral relation 
ceased. For a number of years before his retirement, it had 
become evident to his friends that his physical strength was 
giving way, and that the labors of the College and of the 
congregation were becoming oppressive to him. He himself 
felt it, and often referred to it. And he would have doubtless 
retired much sooner than he did, but from the apprehension 
that if he ceased from active labor he would be in danger of 
sinking into a state of imbecility. At length, however, he 
was constrained by his rapidly increasing infirmities, to seek 
repose from his too arduous labors, and in the year 1845 he 
tendered to the Board his resignation. In accepting it the 
Board evinced their appreciation of his long and faithful ser- 
vices, by conferring on him the honorary degree of Doctor of 
Laws, (that of Doctor of Divinity having been conferred on 
him by Princeton many years before,) and by the adoption of 
resolutions expressive of their deep feeling of regret at the 
necessity which led to a dissolution of the ties which had 
bound them so long and so happily together. The people of 
"Washington were not insensible to the loss they had sustained 
by the removal of Dr. Brown to Canonsburg. Occurrences, 
also, connected with the history of the College in Washing- 
ton, subsequent to his resignation of the Presidency of that 
Institution, had convinced the Board that they could not better 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. BROWN. 187 

subserve its interests, than by recalling him. Accordingly, 
some six or seven years after he had left Washington, he 
received a united call from the congregation and College to 
return to his former position. This occasioned him great 
perplexity. His attachment to his old congregation, among 
whom he had labored seventeen years, was very strong. The 
College, too, which had sprung into existence under his hand, 
and whose early growth had been the object of his watchful 
care, made a strong appeal to his sympathy and regard. But 
while his feelings led him strongly in that direction, he finally, 
after full deliberation, and consultation with friends, deci- 
ded to remain at Canonsburg, much to the gratification of 
the people of that place, and the friends of Jefferson College. 
With what untiring devotion to the interests of that Institu- 
tion he continued to labor for her prosperity until, through 
infirmity, he was constrained to retire, is well known and 
amply attested by the facts already recited, and by the whole 
current of her history. From the time that Dr. Brown retired 
from the Presidency of the College and the pastorate of the 
Church in Canonsburg, he embraced every opportunity of 
preaching the G-ospel to his dying fellow-men. In this work 
he took great delight. Ho never appeared more in his ele- 
ment than when proclaiming the riches of God's grace to lost 
sinners ; and, notwithstanding the decline of his bodily pow- 
ers, it was surprising to observe the vigor with which he con- 
tinued to preach till near the end of life. It is due to the 
memory of Dr. Brown to state that, for a few years before 
his death, he suffered much from morbid bodily excitement. 
This acted unfavorably on his mental perception, and induced, 
in many cases, an eccentric and anomalous form of action, 
which subjected him to unfriendly remarks by those who 
were unacquainted with the cause. Those who were familiar 
with his true condition, knew how to make allowance for these 
peculiar forms of opinion and of action by which some portion 
of the latter part of his life was marked. In the midst of 



188 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

all his infirmities, however, he evinced the same strong and 
unwavering attachment to evangelical truth, and the same 
deep sensibility in relation to the prosperity of the Redeemer's 
kingdom, which distinguished his more favored years of health, 
and of bodily and mental vigor. Some weeks before his 
death, alarming symptoms of disease made their appearance. 
Of these his physicians informed him, intimating at the same 
time that he might die very suddenly. In communicating 
this report of the physicians to the writer, in a brief note, 
he added, in this laconic manner, " The story is soon told — 
may go off in a few days. But my trust is in God : He will 
not forsake me in the trying hour." He was not taken away, 
however, for some time ; but he continued gradually and 
slowly to decline until death did its work. On the Monday 
preceding his death, his disease (gangrene of the right limb) 
so changed its character as to mitigate and almost entirely 
remove that singular irritability of his physical frame which 
had so painfully characterized his latter years, and the pre- 
vious stages of his illness. From that time he appeared to 
be a different man, and like to what he was in his former and 
better days. He was himself again. His affections once 
more went forth with full flow towards his children and rela- 
tives; from whom, through the disturbing influence of his 
nervous complaints, they appeared at times to be almost with- 
drawn. Having summoned his son and daughter to his bed- 
side, he reminded them of the dying scene of their dear 
departed mother — how she had committed them to the faithful 
care of a covenant-keeping Glod, and expressed her confident 
hope of meeting them in heaven. He desired now, he said, 
to do the same thing. He exhorted them to " love one 
another" — to be kind to each other ; and then referring 
to his absent daughter, he added : " And oh that my dear 
absent child were here also, that we might altogether renew 
our mutual pledges of meeting in heaven." Then clasping 
his son in his arms, he said, " I have sometimes dealt roughly 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DE. BROWN. 189 

with you, my son, but let all be forgotten and forgiven now." 
With much calmness, he spoke of the disposition he had made 
of his property, and expressed a hope and belief that it 
would be entirely satisfactory. He referred, also, with great 
composure, to his approaching dissolution, saying, " Death to 
me has no terrors : I have long looked him in the face." 
He desired his friends to conduct his funeral as quietly as 
possible — " no parade •" he indicated the spot where he 
wished to be buried — "in the graveyard at Washington, 
between my two wives" — " a place reserved for my poor body ; 
I have long looked at it — a pleasant spot." When asked 
about an inscription, his reply was, " Ah, take care ! There 
I am afraid of you ; pride come in — in the fewest possible 
words — ' a sinner saved by grace.' " Howard's motto was sug- 
gested : " Christus mea spes." " Yes," he replied, " that 
would do ; it would honor learning, to which my life has been 
devoted — 'multum in parvo' — what you please." After 
drinking some water which was given him, he exclaimed, 
with inexpressible pathos and energy — " Water ! I shall soon 
be drinking of the pure river of water of life." His heart 
seemed to be full of love and kindness to all around him. 
When he received any refreshment, or when his bed was 
smoothed, or his pillow adjusted, he frequently said in a most 
winning and affectionate manner : " That will do j" " very 
well ;" " all right." These were the genuine expressions of 
a Christian temper, now that the irritability and restlessness, 
superinduced by complicated disease, had been removed. In 
conversation with a ministerial brother, two days before his 
death, he made the following emphatic observation in refer- 
ence to himself : " I have one evidence ; yes ! one thing, the 
devil himself cannot persuade me out of it : I have been a 
friend of revivals. I have always loved to see sinners con- 
verted. I would die happy if ministers and Churches were 
baptized with the Holy Spirit." When asked by his son-in- 
law if he thought the Presbyterian Church would be again 



190 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

united, " Yes, certainly," he replied, " God can do it ; he 
will do it. I shall not see it ; but you will." He fully real- 
ized the approach of death ; and to his son-in-law, on one 
occasion, he said with great solemnity : " And this is death ! 
death !" But in death itself, when it came, there was no appa- 
rent pain, no convulsive action or groan ; but peacefully as a 
child, he fell asleep in Jesus. His children, though watching 
round his pillow, knew not the precise moment of his depar- 
ture, and could scarcely realize that it was death. He died 
on the 29th of July, 1853, at the house of his son-in-law, 
Rev. Dr. Riddle, in Pittsburgh. The night after his decease, 
his body was conveyed to Canonsburg. The next morning 
it was placed in Providence Hall, which was clad in mourn- 
ing ; and where a funeral discourse was pronounced by the 
Rev. Dr. Swift, of Allegheny. This service was touching 
and solemn. The population of the village were largely 
present. The shops were closed. Many a face was wet with 
tears. The citizens seemed to feel that Canonsburg and Jef- 
ferson College had lost their best friend, and the poor their 
benefactor. At the close of the religious services, the funeral 
cortege passed through the ranks of students, as it proceeded 
on its way to Washington. There it was met by a procession 
of the faculty, trustees, and students of Washington College, 
and many citizens. The members of the old session of the 
Washington church requested the privilege of bearing the 
corpse of their former pastor and friend to the grave, which 
was cheerfully granted. In this particular, his closing scene 
was like that of Stephen — " Devout men carried him to his 
burial, and made great lamentation over him." The Rev. 
Mr. Brownson, the present pastor of the Washington church, 
offered prayer at the grave ; and the crowd slowly retired, 
leaving his cold remains in the tomb, there to sleep until the 
morning of the resurrection. Dr. Brown was twice married. 
By his first wife he had two children, one of whom, the Rev. 
Alexander B. Brown, D. D., is now the President of Jeffer 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. BROWN. 191 

son College, and the other, Elizabeth, is the wife of the Rev. 
Dr. Riddle, of Pittsburgh. By his second wife he had one 
daughter, Susan Mary, now the wife of Henry Alexander, 
Esq., of New York. 

In the foregoing brief narrative, the reader will doubtless 
have obtained some glimpses of the character of Dr. Brown. 
It was intended by the writer to have attempted a more formal 
delineation of his character, in its various forms of develop- 
ment. But further reflection has induced him to defer it, for 
the present, from a conviction that, when the records of his 
personal and public history shall have been more fully written, 
such a delineation being sustained by incontrovertible facts, 
will be received with more favor, and will better vindicate 
his claims to a place in the affectionate remembrance of the 
friends of learning and of religion. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



REV. SAMUEL RALSTOJST, D. D. 

President of the Board of Trustees of Jefferson College. 



The Rev. Samuel Ralston, D. D., was born in the county 
of Donegal, Ireland, A. D. 1756. His family were of the 
most substantial and respectable yeomanry of that part of 
Ireland. Some of them were engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
and others in trade and merchandise. Judging from the let- 
ters he received from various relations, after his arrival in this 
country, we infer that there could have been few more thrifty 
or influential people in the northern part of the province of 
Ulster, than the Ralstons. Probably of Scottish descent 
originally, they were all thorough Presbyterians. His reli- 
gious education, and his early training in catechetical instruc- 
tion, were carefully attended to. It is probable that the 
rudiments of a classical education were afforded him, in the 
neighborhood of his birth ; and, like the Irish Presbyterian 
schools of that day generally, his must have been thorough 
in its pedagogical drilling, if we may judge from his accurate 
and extensive classical attainments, for which he was after- 
wards distinguished. As some of his father's family were 
business men, engaged in trade and commerce, he was proba- 
bly, at an early period, employed occasionally in their service. 
His careful, methodical habits, in reference to his financial 
concerns, through afterlife, seem to have been formed in this 

(192) 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 193 

way. There is evidence from his papers that he would have 
become a thorough business man, had Divine Providence given 
this direction to his life. But his mind, which, from his 
boyhood, seems to have been thoughtful and serious, received, 
through divine grace, a decidedly religious tone ; and his 
thoughts were early turned to the Gospel ministry. In order 
to become qualified for this important work, so far as human 
instrumentality was concerned, he was sent to the University 
of Glasgow, in Scotland. After completing an extensive 
collegiate course, he entered upon his more immediate prepa- 
ration for preaching the Gospel, and was in due time licensed 
by his Presbytery. He at once attained to a very respecta- 
ble standing among his countrymen, as an able and instruc- 
tive preacher. He was engaged for several years at Donaugh- 
more, and adjoining places, either as a regular stated supply 
or assistant preacher. But his mind having early received 
a strong bias towards the new Western World, he seems to 
have declined all thoughts of settling, as a pastor, in his native 
land. Dark political clouds, portentous of future troubles 
and disasters, were then beginning to gather over freland. 
The American Revolution, which had been brought to a suc- 
cessful issue a few years before, was soon followed by the 
terrible Revolution in France. Many in Ireland, both of 
Protestants and Catholics, fondly conceived that the day of 
their country's release from British thralldom was at hand. 
Many young and ardent minds among the Presbyterian min- 
istry, caught the patriotic infection, and were full of zeal for 
their country's freedom. Though young Ralston was a warm 
patriot, and earnestly longed to see his country free, he wag 
too wise to commit himself to rash measures. But he began 
to foresee that the country would soon be convulsed by the 
coming struggle. He had consecrated himself to the Gospel 
of Peace. He saw little prospect of pursuing his Master's 
work much longer in Ireland, without compromising his con- 
science ttf his safety. He determined to withdraw, and to 
17 



194 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

seek a field of labor in the New World, across the Atlantic. 
Accordingly, he emigrated to the United States early in 1794. 
Soon afterwards, he put himself under the care of the Pres- 
bytery of New Castle ; and under the direction of that fruit- 
ful mother of our early Western ministers, he labored for 
about eighteen months, in portions of Eastern Pennsylvania, 
Delaware and Maryland. This period of his life, no doubt, 
was spent with much advantage to himself, as well as benefit 
to others. It was the very kind of life adapted to acclimate 
him, both physically, intellectually, and morally. And no 
better region could have been selected, perhaps, in order to 
trim up a young Scotch-Irishman, prune off his excrescences, 
and refine, or at least Americanize his manners. And Mr. 
Ralston would not be wanting, on his part, to avail himself 
of the advantages afforded him. He had been early accus- 
tomed, in his own family circle, to a manly and refined tone 
of society. His vigorous mind, and his quick penetration of 
men and of society in all their various phases, would facili- 
tate his progress in this new school of life. His intelligence, 
wit and conversational powers, would give him a welcome 
passport to every social circle. And his dignity and com- 
manding personal presence would always command respect. 
He has left no journal of this period of his life. We remem- 
ber but one incident which he related, connected with it. 
He was itinerating on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. On 
a warm summer day, a congregation were seated in an unfin- 
ished log meeting-house, the floor not entirely laid — some of 
them sitting on the sleepers, and their feet on the ground, 
listening to the young Irish missionary. All at once, a row 
of ladies, sitting next the wall, rose, in apparent agitation, 
and pressed forward from their places, some of them casting 
their glances up the wall just above their seat. There was 
quite a sensation through the whole house, though not a sylla- 
ble was uttered. It was all a mystery to young Ralston. He 
paused for a moment, but he was soon relieved. A gentle- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 195 

man, armed with a large horsewhip, advanced to the wall, and 
struck up against it with his whip several times, most vigor- 
ously. Ralston yet saw nothing. At length, by a successful 
stroke, a large snake, more than a yard long, was dislodged, 
and came tumbling down, and was instantly killed and carried 
out of the house. It was the first snake he had ever seen in 
his life. For every body knows there are no snakes in Ire- 
land — St. Patrick, according to a popish legend, having, 
many centuries ago, driven both snakes and toads out of the 
island into the sea.* Mr. Ralston and his congregation soon 
recovered their composure, and there was no further interrup- 
tion to the services of the day. 

In the fall of 1795, Mr. Ralston crossed the mountains 
into Western Pennsylvania, and spent some time, perhaps 
two months, preaching in several vacant congregations, in the 
Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio. He then returned and 
spent the winter in the bounds of New Castle Presbytery. 
Thither calls were sent to him, through that Presbytery, from 
Bethel and Ebenezer, now in the bounds of Blairsville Pres- 
bytery, and also from Mingo and Horse-shoe Bottom, in the 
Presbytery of Ohio. Early in the spring of 1796 he returned 
to the West, and attended a meeting of the Presbytery of 
Redstone, at Laurel Hill, April 19 th, of that year. He was 
received as a licentiate, upon his certificate of dismission from 
the Presbytery of New Castle. The call which he had 
received from Bethel and Ebenezer, he informed the Presby- 
tery he was not yet prepared to accept. He, moreover, 
requested and obtained leave to spend some part of the sum- 
mer in the bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio. There were 
several supplies assigned him, however, through the wide- 
spread territory of the old Presbytery of Redstone. He was 



* The writer has seen a fine engraving in tho house of a Catholic friend, 
representing snakes and toads in great numbers, retreating and plung- 
ing in terror into the sea, before the advancing Saint, armed with his crozier. 



196 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

gent to G-lade Run, Bethel, and Ebenezer on Blacklick, Ebene- 
zer on Puckety, Tyrone, Morgantown, Clarksburg, and Crab- 
Orchard. Whether he traveled over this whole field, indica- 
ted by these places, we know not. It appears that he visited* 
at least, some of those in Virginia. For it is a tradition yet 
remembered, that once, when near Morgantown, he was at a 
house-raising, lending his powerful frame in that laborious 
operation. He was up on the top of the building, which had 
reached a considerable height, when a man, newly arrived 
amongst the throng below, was indulging in excessive cursing 
and swearing. Ralston, though aloft, heard and rebuked him. 
The man became enraged, threatened vengeance, and dared 
him to come down. Mr. Ralston hastened down and advanced. 
But when the profane fellow saw what a herculean, six-foot, 
brawny Irishman he had challenged, his wrath forsook him 
In a moment — he became as humble as a lamb, begged pardon 
of his reverence, and sounded a masterly retreat. An up- 
roarious laugh burst from the whole company, and re-echoed 
w over the hills and far away." 

In the course of the week next ensuing after the meeting 
of the Redstone Presbytery, above mentioned, he had repaired, 
before entering on the above appointments, to a meeting of 
the Presbytery of Ohio, April 26, 1796 ; and obtained from 
that Presbytery leave to visit some of their vacancies, espe- 
cially Mingo Creek and Horse-shoe Bottom. Whether he 
visited these places before or after the appointments given him 
by the Redstone Presbytery, we are not informed. We only 
know that, by the fall meeting of that Presbytery, he informed 
them that he had concluded to decline the call to Ebenezer 
and Bethel, and to accept that of Mingo and Horse-shoe Bot- 
tom ; and as these were in the bounds of Ohio Presbytery, 
he was dismissed to that Presbytery, and was duly received, 
October 26, 1796. Measures were immediately adopted with 
reference to his ordination and installation at Mingo. An 
adjourned meeting was held at that place. The Presbytery 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 197 

wag opened with a sermon from Mr. Ralston, on a subject 
previously assigned, as a part of trials. On the following 
day, November 30, 1796, he was ordained and installed, Mr. 
Patterson preaching the ordination sermon, on 1 Thess. 
5: 12, and Mr. M'Millan presiding and giving the charge. 
As we have no record of any subsequent installation at Horse- 
shoe Bottom, it is probable that this service at Mingo was 
intended and appointed for both congregations ; the people of 
the other congregation being present in part, either by com- 
missioners or representatives, or by the session, or part of the 
congregation. Horse-shoe Bottom was situated some miles 
up the Monongahela river, and included a " settlement," 
extending for some distance up and down the river, and wide 
out from it, having taken the name from the figure made by 
the curve of the river around the " settlement." These 
places, constituting the joint pastoral charge of Mr. Ralston, 
extending along the west side of the Monongahela, and ten 
or twelve miles off from it, all within the limits of Washing- 
ton county, formed the wide and laborious field of Mr. Rals- 
ton's labors, through a large portion of his protracted life. 
He entered at once with vigor and unsparing diligence on his 
work. The pastoral fields of all our first ministers were very 
sxtensive, and quite indefinite in some directions. Mr. Rals- 
ton' s was one of the largest, and one of the roughest, at least 
as to its physical, if not its moral features. Let any one 
now, with all the advantages of modern improvements in 
roads and modes of conveyance, start at the western boundary 
of Mingo, traverse the hills and hollows, constantly occurring, 
as he crosses successively the Mingo and Pigeon creeks, and 
Pike run, and Maple creek, and persevere till he reaches the 
eastern limits of Horse-shoe Bottom congregation ; and he 
will wonder that any one man could ever undertake such a 
wide-stretching scene of pastoral and ministerial labors. But 
Dr. Ralston not only undertook i<4 but held on to this entire 
field for thirty-five years. It is true that for some years, 
17* 






198 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

towards the close of that period, the Presbyterian population 
of the Horse-shoe Bottom "settlement/' having become 
greatly reduced by emigration to the West, were brought into 
connection with the members in and around Williamsport ; 
and that place became the principal field of that part of Dr. 
Ralston' s labors which had formerly been devoted to the " set- 
tlement" farther up the river. We need hardly state that 
Willianlsport has, for some years past, taken the more ambi- 
tious name of Monongahela City. 

i The subject of this memoir soon afterwards sought and 
obtained the hand of Miss Ferguson, of Pigeon Creek, who 
proved a valuable help-mate to her husband, sustaining and 
cheering him amidst his toilsome and exhausting labors. 

Mr. Ralston had not yet become an American citizen, in 
due legal form. But next to the Church of Christ, he loved 
his adopted country. He was a thorough Republican in sen- 
timent, and took a deep interest, all his life, in the cause of 
human liberty. In due time, he sought and obtained his legal 
rights of American citizenship, according to the form then 
required. The official document lies before us, and will, per- 
haps, by some, be read with interest. It is rather a curiosity 
to those who have not seen such a paper. It is as follows : 

" I, Edward Burd, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of the 
State of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, hereby 
certify, that at a court of Nisi Prius, held at Washington, for 
the county of Washington, on the thirtieth day of May, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- 
nine, before the Honorable Jasper Yates and Thomas Smith, 
Esqs., two of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the said 
State, Samuel Ralston, a native of Ireland, but now of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exhibited a petition, praying 
to be admitted to become a citizen of the said United States ; 
and on his solemn oath on the Holy Evangels, did declare, in 
the said court, that he had resided, two years at least^ within 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 199 

and under the jurisdiction of the United States, and one year, 
at least, within the State of Pennsylvania : that he was a 
resident within the limits, and under the jurisdiction of the 
United States, on the twenty-ninth day of January, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety -five ; 
that he had never borne any hereditary title, or been of any 
of the orders of nobility, in any country whatever, and did 
absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and 
fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty 
whatever j and particular to the King of Great Britain, of 
whom he was heretofore a subject : and that he would sup- 
port the Constitution of the United States. And the facts as 
aforesaid appearing to the satisfaction of the said Court, in 
full proof; and, moreover, that during the said term of two 
years, the said Samuel Ralston had behaved himself as a 
man of good moral character, attached to the Constitution of 
the said United States, and well disposed to the good and 
happiness of the same. The said court, thereupon, admitted 
the said Samuel Ralston to become a citizen of the said 
United States, and of the State of Pennsylvania aforesaid, 
and ordered all the said proceedings to be recorded by the 
Clerk of the said court, which record was made accordingly. 
" In witness, I, the said Edward Burd, 

have hereunto set my hand and afiixed 

* sy the seal of the said Supreme Court, at 

{^SEAL^J Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of 

September, in the year of our Lord 

MDCCXCIX. 

"Edw. Burd, Proihon'y." 

Dr. Kalston resided within a few miles of Mingo church, 
shortening, somewhat, the distance to his further place of 
preaching. After his settlement and marriage, his laborious 
but peaceful life wore pleasantly away, amidst much domestic 
happiness, and much to cheer him in his labors as a minister of 



200 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEOE. 

Christ. In process of time he had a lovely circle of children 
around him. He had, in all, three sons and six daughters. But 
two of these daughters, and two of his sons, he lived to see 
passing to the grave before him. One of the sons had just 
completed his preparatory studies for the ministry, with bright 
promise of distinguished usefulness, when he was removed 
by death. All these children gladdened their venerable 
father, by a seasonable and hopeful connection with the visi- 
ble Church. In his long loneliness, after the death of his wife, 
whom he survived twenty-four years, his children, and espe- 
cially one daughter, who remained unmarried, cherished his 
life and health with more than ordinary filial faithfulness 
and tender care. 

His pastoral charges shared largely in those remarkable 
effusions of Divine influence which were witnessed and felt 
so extensively in our Western Zion, during the years 1802-3, 
and '4. The writer remembers, when quite a small boy, to 
have accompanied his parents (then residing in Rehoboth, 
Westmoreland county,) over to Horseshoe Bottom. It was 
in May or June, 1802. There was a great assembly of peo- 
ple, for those times ; and great religious excitement. Public 
meetings extended through much of several successive days. 
And, at night, many again collected at the meeting-house, 
and the services were continued to a late hour. It was a 
very solemn time. The writer's father was assisting Dr. 
Ralston ; and he faintly remembers how they both preached, 
and prayed, and exhorted. This was nearly, if not quite, the 
beginning of the revival in Dr. Ralston's charge. It was 
believed that many were awakened and converted, at that 
sacramental meeting. There were similar meetings at Mingo, 
for several years, beginning about that time. Such a season, 
it is supposed, Dr. Ralston never witnessed before. But he 
was reaJy to welcome it, and to co-operate with his brethren, 
with ad his might, in their now increased and abounding 
labors, during this spiritual harvest. Though Dr. Ralston 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 201 

had not the advantage of a smooth mellifluous voice, or of 
much natural pathos, he made all the amends in his power 
for these defects by his earnestness and plainness, and strong 
and faithful appeals to the reason and consciences of men. 
Though he could not be said to be a popular preacher, the 
people of God, and indeed all people of good sense, were 
always pleased to see his presence at the great revival meet- 
ings, and to hear his voice, amidst those scenes, when multi- 
tudes were inquiring for the way of salvation, overwhelmed 
with sharp conviction and deep distress, or melted into pen- 
itence and contrition at the foot of the cross. In those days, 
there was little of that critical and fastidious taste that now 
prevails. People seemed to hunger for the bread of life ; 
and they did not turn away from it with indifference and con- 
tempt, if the voice that directed them to it did not always 
fall on their ears soft as the gentle murmurs of Siloah's 
brook : or if the poor earthen vessel, that bore to them the 
provisions of God's house, did not always remind them of 
"apples of gold in pictures of silver." Dr. Ralston was 
called to take his full share in assisting his brethren, espe- 
cially Dr. M'Millan, on sacramental occasions. For many 
years, these were memorable seasons in the history of Western 
Presbyterianism. But as we have spoken of them somewhat 
at large in our former work, " Old Redstone," we will not 
here attempt further remarks. The great revival, to which 
we have referred, has been so well described by Dr. Elliott, 
in his " Life of Macurdy," that we will not attempt another 
account. We are sure that it would be no improvement upon 
his interesting narrative, though indeed many things might 
be told which he has omitted ; and the materials are not 
wanting, or difficult of access, for this purpose. But we think 
it much better, on the whole, to refer our readers to the " Life 
of Macurdy." It is true, nothing may be found there about 
the great work in Mingo or Horse-shoe Bottom. But the 
reader has only to transfer, at least to some extent, what he 



202 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

will there find related of the several scenes in the pastoral 
charges of Messrs. Anderson and Marquis, and Macurdy and 
Patterson, and M'Millan. But Dr. Ralston was called to 
render a peculiar service to the cause of religious revivals, 
in those times. That remarkable work had not long pro- 
gressed, before it excited dissatisfaction and opposition among 
some other denominations, and especially the Seceders. Many 
of their preachers, as early as 1802, began to warn their peo- 
ple against the work. They denounced it as fanatical, and 
of Satanic origin. Many of their people, however, could not 
be kept away from those solemn scenes. In some instances, 
they became subjects of the revival. In other cases, they 
knew not what to say ; their mouths were stopped. The min- 
isters of that body became more and more alarmed. At 
length, in 1804, they prepared and published a sort of pasto- 
ral Letter and Testimony, and sent it out, far and wide, over 
their Churches, and among their people ; and even sought 
every opportunity to obtrude this publication into our houses 
and families. This was, however, perhaps, the course pursued 
only by some of the weaker, yet well-meaning brethren of 
that body. The sophistry and misrepresentations of the 
pamphlet were easily answered by our ministers, from the 
pulpit, and on other occasions. But something more formal 
and better suited for parrying the attack, and for silencing 
the enemy, seemed necessary, and loudly called for. Dr. 
Ralston undertook it. In 1805 there issued from the press, 
in the town of Washington, a pamphlet of sixty-one pages, 
with the anonymous signature of " A Presbyterian." But 
it was well known to be the production of Dr. Ralston ; and 
was popularly called "The Currycomb" How that name was 
given to it, we have never heard. The title-page is as fol- 
lows : " Letters addressed to the Rev. Messrs. John Cree, 
John Anderson, William Wilson, and Thomas Allison, mem- 
bers of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, in answer to 
their pamphlet entitled ' Evils of the work now prevailing in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OS* DR. RALSTON. 203 

the United States of America, under the name of a revival 
of religion.' Wherein their objections to this work are exam- 
ined, and shown to be unfounded ; and the work vindicated, 
as being agreeable to the Word of God. Prov. 17 : 17, 
'He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his 
neighbor cometh and searcheth him.' " 

The first letter is dated November 1st, 1804, and begins 
thus : 

" Gentlemen : — It may be a sufficient apology for address- 
ing the following letters to you, that I believe the work now 
prevailing in the United States of America, under the name 
of a Revival of Religion, to be a gracious work of the Spirit 
of God; but which you, in a late pamphlet, to which you 
have affixed your names, style in your title-page, " an evil 
work," and elsewhere, " a work of delusion ;" " a work of 
enthusiasm ;" nay, " a work of the devil." My design in 
these letters is to examine your objections to this work, and 
the testimony on which these objections are founded; and 
then to assign the reasons which have induced me to believe, 
and attempt to defend it, as a work of the Spirit of God, for 
the conviction and conversion of sinners, and for building up 
believers in their most holy faith." 

We shall not attempt an abstract of this able produc- 
tion. He takes up the several objections, or charges brought 
against the revival, as, — " that it is a work upon the bodies 
of men;" — "that it cannot be a work of the Spirit of 
God, because bodily affections are not means of grace ;" — 
u that it tends to bring the subjects of it under such an 
influence of their imagination and feelings, as is incon- 
sistent with a due regard to the word of God, as the only 
ground of faith and rule of duty ;" — " that it savors of 
enthusiasm, because the subjects of the falling exercise are 
opposed to any medical applications ;" — " that it tends to 



204 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

the burial of a faithful testimony for many of the precious 
truths of Grod's word, that are denied by various religious 
denominations at the present day ;" — " that bodily exercises 
are rather to be deprecated, as a judgment, than prayed for 
as benefits;" — "a judgment," it is insinuated, rather than 
expressed, "for singing Watts' Psalms and Hymns;" and 
lastly, "the gross disorders of it." Dr. Ralston takes up 
these several charges, meets them fairly, and candidly makes 
many admissions, in perfect consistence with a full and con- 
clusive refutation of the several grounds of objection. " The 
Currycomb" must be carefully read to be fully appreciated. 
We cannot withhold a passage towards the close of the dis- 
cussion, that may serve as a sample of its power : " Having 
thus examined your pamphlet particularly — more particularly 
than I at first intended, or than it, perhaps, deserved — I will 
now leave it with the reader to decide whether your objections 
to this work are well founded or not. That they are not sup- 
ported by the evidence and arguments you have produced for 
that purpose, I think I may say, without vanity, I have 
clearly shown ; and, therefore, before you overthrow it, you 
must take some other ground than that you have taken. I 
will now, as I have promised, assign you a few of the reasons 
which have convinced me that it is a gracious work of the 
Holy Spirit. In the first place, this work was begun and 
carried on, in this country, (for I do not choose to take my 
testimony from mangled scraps of foreign letters, for which 
no person or persons are accountable but their authors,) 
under the preaching and influence of the following doctrines, 
viz : the doctrine of the infinite guilt and total depravity of 
the human race, by the first sin of our first parents, in conse- 
quence of being represented by them in the covenant of 
works : the doctrine of the election of part of the human 
race to eternal life, through sanctification of the Spirit and 
belief of the truth : the doctrine of justification through the 
imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus; of regeneration 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 205 

by the almighty power of the Spirit of God alone ; and of 
the certain perseverance of all believers, by virtue of the 
complete satisfaction of Christ, and the unchangeable promises 
of God ; together with the other doctrines of grace, depend- 
ing upon and connected with these leading doctrines. You 
cannot but know, gentlemen, that these doctrines are con- 
tained in the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Churches 
in the United States of America : and I can say, that they 
are preached by the ministers of this Church, in this country. 
It is not true, then, as you say, in the eleventh page of your 
pamphlet, ' That they insist perpetually upon the sanction 
of the law, to the exclusion of other doctrines no less neces- 
sary in their place ;' and ' that they preach the terrors of 
the law to the people, as if they had nothing else to preach 
to them/ That you meant them in that paragraph, I 
believe ; and I think you have so much candor left as to 
acknowledge it, if you were interrogated. You cannot say 
so, from your own personal knowledge ; for your doctrine 
respecting ' occasional hearing' has prevented you. Your 
ground, then, for saying so, is taken from hearsay, or the 
reports of enemies; as was the case respecting the work we 
have been considering. No wonder, then, that you mistake 
and blunder, when you depend upon such vague and indefinite 
evidence. But not to insist upon this : Secondly, that this 
is a gracious work of the Spirit of God is apparent to me, 
from the effects it has produced. It has arrested the atten- 
tion of the careless and unconcerned. It has aroused the 
stupid sinner to a sense of his danger, and induced him to 
cry out, ' what must I do to be saved V It has discovered to 
the ignorant and self-righteous, that they are not only guilty 
before God, but also that ' their hearts are deceitful above all 
things, and desperately wicked;' and that they need the 
righteousness of Christ, in order to justification and accept- 
ance with God. It has caused those who seldom or never 
bowed the knee to God, or attended on the ordinances of the 

in 



206 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

gospel, to cry, ' God be merciful to me, a sinner / and to 
attend diligently on the means of grace. It has reclaimed 
the wicked and the profligate, and transformed the lion into 
a lamb. It has brought professed deists to become professed 
Christians, and turned their cursings into blessings, and their 
blasphemies into praises. Many who could not relish any 
religious conversation, are now only delighted when talking 
about the plan of salvation, and the wonders of redeeming 
love ; and many, very many, give evidence, by their life and 
conversation, that they are born of God. And to this I would 
add, that it has had this effect on many of all ranks, ages, 
sexes, and colors ; the African as well as the European and 
American. And the combined hosts of deists, hypocrites 
and formalists are generally opposed to it. Some also have 
fallen away : but this is no objection, but rather an evidence 
that it is a work of the Spirit of God ; for Christ informs us, 
in the parable of the Sower, (Matt. 13,) that the seed, or 
the Word of God, fell by ' the way-side/ upon ' stony places/ 
and ' among thorns/ as well as into ' good ground.' " 

This able pamphlet was most seasonable and effective. It 
completely silenced the hostile party. Their pamphlet was 
written with great plausibility, and evinced pre-eminent talent. 
It was far from being a weak or scurrilous production. Indeed, 
the greater part of it is admirable ; especially the first twelve 
or thirteen pages, in which the nature of the Holy Spirit's 
operations, in convincing and converting sinners, is described. 
This part of the Seceder pamphlet deserves to be republished, 
as a tract. Nothing that we have ever read, is better suited 
to warn the Church against fanatical errors. Being placed in 
the outset of the pamphlet, it is well suited to gain the confi- 
dence of the reader. No one can doubt the piety and deep 
experience of the writers. But all this rendered their attack 
on the revival so much the more mischievous. It reminds us 
of the plausible manner in which certain brethren would begin 
their speeches in the General Assembly, twenty years ago. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 207 

They were so pious and meek, and peace-loving, so earnest in 
deprecating strife and contention, &c, and then they would 
pour out the bitterest invectives and sarcasms, and pelt their 
brethren of the opposite party most unmercifully. But, in 
regard to these Seceder writers, we believe they were sincere 
and honest, and truly pious men. But they were misled by 
prejudice. They were misinformed. They relied too much, 
as Dr. Ralston told them, on hearsay. The giant among 
them was Dr. John Anderson, of King's Creek, a man of 
profound literary and theological attainments, and of eminent 
piety, but a perfect recluse in his habits, as ignorant of the 
world as a monk, or Goldsmith's parson in the Vicar of 
Wakefield ; and easily misled by others, as to what was going 
on in the world around him. 

Soon after the " Currycomb" was published, Dr. Ralston 
wrote to his countryman and ministerial brother, the Rev. 
Samuel Porter, and sent him a copy of his pamphlet, asking 
his remarks upon it. He received in due time the following 
highly characteristic and entertaining answer : 

" Westmoreland, Maroh 24, 1805. 
" Rev'd. Brother : — I received your letter and pamphlet, 
and have taken up my pen to make observations, to which 
nothing could have excited me but the urgency of your request. 
Few clergymen can bear anything but flattery ; and I despise 
the want of candor. Therefore, silence is generally best. 
Your piece is a good desultory defence and attack, and looks 
more like the fortunate opening of a campaign than the battle 
which terminates a war. You have, with propriety, made 
excursions into the territories of your enemies ; and have 
treated them as they deserved, and with the very same kind 
of delicacy with which they have treated the Presbyterians ; 
except that you have given them some fal, lal, about your 
friendship to their Church, and hopes of their reformation. 
You charge your antagonists with the crime of assigning par- 



208 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

ticular causes for the judgments of God, and, although you 
use qualified language, yet you are, in fact, strongly guilty of 
the same practice. It will give you some trouble to defend 
your reasoning from Hebrew 12 : 5. — ' Strengthen the hands 
of Voltaire.' Voltaire is dead : what figure in rhetoric will 
support the expression ? Pages 13, 14, you insinuate that it 
is not strange for those who have been educated in America, 
or in the backwoods, to be ignorant of logic and destitute of 
common sense. ' Sucked the breasts of the Universities/ 
is not, to my recollection, sanctioned by any of the English 
classical authors. Your criticism on the difference between 
1 suffer' and ' experience,' as applied to convulsive spasms, is 
ingenious, but it will probably be thought to belong to the 
wire-drawing system. ' Is the work in question a work of 
the Spirit of God, and can Anderson's theological pills prevent 
the Almighty Spirit from extending the work ?' Page 37. 
Your reasoning respecting Peter's hearers is liable to criti- 
cism. I am not certain * that the work has neither impaired 
the bodies nor the minds of any of the subjects of it, in the 
smallest degree.' Page 48. I do not see how the absurdity 
in question, nor any other absurdity of the Seceders, can 
afford a strong proof that the work is a work of the Spirit of 
God. ' Falling away' is not a very strong evidence of a work 
of the Spirit of God. You may be able to defend what you 
have advanced respecting a concert of prayer, but I could not. 
It is probable that the eye of criticism will discover, in several 
places, that your assertions are stronger than the evidence by 
which they are supported. On the whole, you are able to 
defend the main ground. And you will understand my idea 
of the piece generally, when I inform you that since I read 
it, I have determined that I will not deliver my sermon before 
the Synod, but will take some common-place subject, for the 
reason that I think the Seceders are in good hands, and they 
have got, and will get so much beating, that it would be 
unmanly and cruel for me to fall upon them too. Therefore 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 209 

I shall transcribe my sermon, make some alterations and addi-' 
tions, and leave it among my papers for the use of my chil- 
dren, when I am gone. I am, &c, 

"Sam'l. Porter. 
" Mr. Ralston. 

" P. S. On reading your pamphlet, I committed the above 
observations to paper, and intended to correct and enlarge 
them, and send them to you by post. But just as I had 
finished my outlines, Mr. M'Millan, Jr., came in ; and I 
now send them in their original dress. I have read the piece 
a second time, and am more strongly convinced that your 
comment on Heb. 12 : 5, will not stand the test of sound criti- 
cism. Your criticism on the expression ' some ministers/ &c, 
page 32, may possibly be traced to the hair-splitting system. 
* Ye/ instead of ' you/ has become in a great measure obso- 
lete, with good writers. Your excursions to Noblestown, &c, 
&c, &c, are deservedly severe ; but I am afraid that men 
who are not acquainted with the treatment we have received 
from the Western Seceders, will think that they were written 
in the old exploded polemic spirit. In a word, your pamphlet 
will please the majority of the friends of the work ; and it 
Will bring the coldest Seceder under heaven, who reads it, to 
experience warm, lively feelings. You are undoubtedly able 
to fight the Seceders, up and down, crooked or straight, rough 
or smooth, and with their own weapons, too. 

« S. P." 

On the back of the letter is written, " Send me two dozen 
copies of your Spirits of Vitriol," * 



* It will be seen from this letter, that Mr. Porter twice refers to Mr. Rals- 
ton's inference from Heb. 12 : 5, "The Word of God is quick and powerful," 
&o. "Not only," says Dr. Ralston, "is it evident to me, from this passage, 
that the Word of God, in the hand of the Almighty Spirit, acts sometimes 
as instantaneously on the soul as an electric shock on the body, but that 
when applied with power, the body, or what the Apostle stylos ' the joints 
and marrow,' is affected as instantaneously also, by virtue of its union with 

18* 



210 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Upon a review of the positions taken and the course pursued 
by the Seceders, in reference to the great Western revival, at 
this distant point of time, we are by no means certain that, 
after all, they did not exert a wholesome conservative influ- 
ence during that period. We are not sure that but for them, 
there was not some real danger, in certain quarters, of the 
friends and subjects of the " falling work," as it was called, 
running into fanatical and pernicious excesses. Nor, on the 
other hand, were the Seceders cut off from all benefit of that 
mighty outpouring of the Spirit. For many years past, 
dating back nearly, if not quite, to that period, this section 
of the Presbyterian body has been growing into a more evan- 
gelical spirit, has been becoming increasingly active, in the 
various causes of Bible and Tract distribution, of Sunday- 



the soul ; and this passage satisfies me with respect to the bodily affections 
so prevalent in the present day, which seem to be a stumbling block to so 
many." Most readers will, perhaps, concur with Mr. Portor in doubting the 
soundness of this reasoning. Mr. Porter's remark that Dr. Ralston had 
insinuated that "it is not strange that those educated in the backwoods 
should bo ignorant of logic and destitute of common sense," is altogether a 
mistake. Dr. Ralston's language is this : " That those of you who have 
been educated in America, or in the backwoods, where, as / have been told, 
some of you say there is little learning to be found, especially among the 
Presbyterian clergy, should reason in this manner, would perhaps not be 
strange ; but that two of you, who have sucked the breasts of the most 
renowned Universities of Scotland, and one of you, the father of a whole 
volume, besides several pamphlets, should thus reason, is to me truly aston- 
ishing." It is plain that Mr. Porter's criticism is without foundation. He 
excepts also to the classical purity of the expression, " sucked the breasts of 
the Universities," forgetting the language in Isaiah, 60 : 16 : "Thou shalt 
also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings." We 
shall not, however, examine all Mr. Porter's remarks and criticisms. As in 
the foregoing specimens, some of them appear to be sound, and others of 
little force. We cannot concur with Mr. Porter in his remark that Ralston's 
pamphlet "seemed more like the fortunate opening of a campaign than the 
battle which terminates the war." Though it was doubtloss open, in many 
places, to successful assault, yet as a whole it was the closing battle, as it 
certainly proved in fact. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 211 

schools, and of foreign and domestic missions. Their preach- 
ing, always instructive in matter, is, of late years, improving 
in manner. Their sermons, considered as exhibitions and 
vindications of "the faith once delivered to the saints," were 
generally superior to those of most of our ministers. But 
their preachers lacked animation, pathos, and unction. They 
seemed to eschew all natural eloquence. It was certainly 
right for them to cherish an abhorrence and contempt of all 
appearance of playing the orator, or making rhetorical flour- 
ishes in the sacred desk. But from some unaccountable cause, 
they seemed to run to the opposite extreme. We have heard 
many of them making able speeches in their judicatories, 
with natural tones of voice, in an easy, fluent and graceful 
manner. But when they entered the pulpit, they left all this 
behind them, and seemed to think it a sin to preach in the 
same easy, natural way in which they made their speeches. 
But we are satisfied that there is a great improvement, as we 
deem it, in all these respects, of late years. And we cannot 
but rejoice that this branch of the Presbyterian family, to 
whom the church at large is moro indebted for its conserva- 
tive influence than we have ever, perhaps, been willing to 
acknowledge, abounds with many of the most eloquent, as 
well as the most sound and orthodox ministers in our Western 
Zion. 

For several yaers, Dr. Ralston pursued the even tenor of 
his course, as a diligent and faithful country pastor. Soon 
after his settlement at Mingo, he became a Trustee of the 
Academy at Canonsburg. His name first appears on the 
records of the Board, April 24th, 1798. When, in 1802, a 
charter for Jefferson College was obtained, his name is found 
in the Act of the Legislature, among the list of Trustees. 
He was chosen President of the Board, April 26th, 1808, and 
re-elected to that office every year for nearly forty years ! His 
attendance at the semi-annual meetings of the Board was 
almost constant. Regularly in March and September, he 



212 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

would be found wending his way from his home, through all 
kinds of weather, fourteen miles, to Canonsburg. Over the 
interests of that rising institution he watched with parental 
solicitude and care. And richly was he rewarded by its grow- 
ing prosperity and success, and especially by the great num- 
ber of ministers of the Gospel that were conducted through 
their collegiate course, during his long administration as Presi- 
dent of the Board. It may not be out of place, or uninter- 
esting to some, to observe that as President of the Trustees 
he succeeded Judge John M'Dowell, who had been chosen 
April 27th, 1803, and re-elected four successive years, till his 
age and infirmities compelled him to resign. When, in 1802, 
the Academy was raised to a College, Judge James Edgar 
was chosen President. It is true Dr. M'Millan was chosen 
the first President of the Trustees of the College j but two 
days afterwards, when he was appointed Vice President of 
the College, and Professor of Divinity, his seat as a Trustee 
was necessarily vacated, and Judge Edgar was appointed 
President in his place, and another person was elected to fill 
the vacancy in the Board. Having already, in "Old Red- 
stone," given some account of this very eminent man, we 
will add nothing further respecting him here. But the first 
President of the old Board of the Academy, whose name 
appears on their records in 1796, was another man, perhaps 
not much inferior to either of those above mentioned — Judge 
James Allison, who, like the others, was also a ruling elder 
in the Church. These three men were all very eminent for 
their piety and great influence in the Church. They were all 
of Scotch-Irish descent — all emigrated from Eastern Penn- 
sylvania about the same time, and lived to exert a blessed 
influence on the cause of education and religion in the West. 
Dr. Ralston might well be gratified by having such a noble 
set of men as his predecessors in office. 

It is a little out of chronological order to notice here a 
circumstance in the life of Dr. Ralston, which properly 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 213 

belongs to the summer of 1801 or 1802. He took an excur- 
sion to Ohio, and was engaged for some weeks in preaching 
the Gospel, visiting destitute " settlements" and organizing 
churches. Among the churches he organized were Mount 
Pleasant and Buckskin, not far from Cincinnati. In these 
churches, shortly after, began that mighty work of grace, the 
first revival of religion west of the Ohio. This was in the 
summer and fall of 1802. These, and several other churches 
in that region, had applied to the Presbytery of Ohio, at their 
April meeting, in Washington, for supplies : and the Rev. 
Robert Johnston, then but recently licensed, was sent out by 
the Presbytery to supply these churches for two months. 
While he was there, the revival, which had spread extensively 
during the previous year, through the southern and western 
part of Kentucky, seemed to cross the Ohio, and make its 
first beginning and gather its first fruits in those churches 
which Dr. Ralston had previously organized. We may well 
conceive how this circumstance would fill him with rejoicing 
and gratitude ; and perhaps it greatly contributed to deepen 
his interest in that mighty work, which he was, three years 
afterwards, engaged in defending against the assaults of its 
enemies. For the greater part of the above statement we are 
indebted to the Rev. H. S. Fullerton, of South Salem, Ohio, 
and to the Rev. Dr. William Wylie. 

We pass over a considerable period of Dr. Ralston's life, 
which, though filled up with arduous labor, and with many 
interesting incidents, in his various relations of pastor, pres- 
byter and trustee, yet scarcely possess sufficient importance 
to find a place in our limited biographical sketch. We come 
next to notice his second debut, as an author, in 1824. A 
few years previous to this time, there appeared in Western 
Pennsylvania and Virginia, a young Scotch-Irishman, Alex- 
ander Campbell, accompanied by his father, the Rev. Thomas 
Campbell. The elder Campbell had been a preacher before 
he left his native land, and came out from Ireland some time 



214 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

before the son. He preached in one or two vacant Secession 
churches in Washington County, without ' leave or authority 
from the Presbytery. And when he subsequently sought 
admission into the Presbytery and was rejected, he still con- 
tinued to preach in some of their vacant churches, to the 
serious, though temporary distraction and confusion of those 
churches. Upon the arrival of his son, they both sought 
ecclesiastical connection with the Associate Presbytery of 
Chartiers, and with the Presbytery of Ohio. But failing to 
attain the position they sought, they soon obtained notoriety 
by a new and bold path they made for themselves, in connec- 
tion with the Baptist church.* It was but a short time, before 
the novelty of their principles, and the revolutionary tendency 
of their discourse, threw them out of fellowship with that 
body. But they drew after them an immense number of follow- 
ers, principally from the Baptist persuasion. In respect to 
the ordinance of baptism, they were thorough Baptists, both 
as to the subjects and mode of that Christian rite. But they 
discarded the old doctrinal system of the Baptists, in almost 
every other respect. When they reached this point in their 
career, the younger Campbell became the great leader and 
champion. According to their new creed, to be immersed 

* " They first appeared before the Redstone Association, in September, 1813, 
with one or two others, as delegates from a recently organized church on 
Brush creek, about twenty miles west of Washington ; asking for themselves 
and the church which they represented, the fellowship of the Association. 
They had recently been baptizod on a profession of their faith in Christ, by 
the Rev. Matthias Luce, pastor of a Baptist church on Ton-mile creek. 
The Messrs. Campbell, father and son, had recently come from Ireland, 
where they had been connected with the Secession church, of which the 
father had been a distinguished minister. They then maintained with firm- 
ness and ability the leading doctrines of the Calvinistic school, but refused 
to acknowledge any Confession of Faith ; but at the same time agreed to sub- 
mit to the most rigid examination of their doctrinal principles that the Asso- 
ciation, or any of its members, might think proper to make. A careful 
examination was made and they were received into the fellowship of the Asso- 
ciation." — " Two Discourses," by Dr. Estep. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 215 

was to perform the act of faith ; and baptism, by immersion, 
secured the remission of sins. There was no need of a spe- 
cial agency of the Holy Spirit to regenerate the sinner. The 
doctrine of regeneration, as we, in common with orthodox 
Baptists, hold it, was utterly repudiated by Alexander Camp- 
bell. These, and a few other less important points, together 
with a furious assault upon all creeds and confessions, made 
up what is now extensively known by the name of " Camp- 
bellism." Mr. Campbell, Jr., eagerly sought public discus- 
sion, and challenged the clerical world to furnish a champion. 
The Rev. John Walker, of the Secession church, took up the 
gauntlet and met Mr. Campbell. They discussed the subject 
of baptism for several days. This debate Mr. Campbell soon 
after published ; giving of course his own version of it, very 
much to his own advantage. He claimed a complete victory. 
He and his friends were active in giving a wide circulation to 
the pamphlet. The adroitness of Mr. Campbell was particu- 
larly displayed in making this debate turn mainly on the 
subject of baptism, its mode and proper subjects ; and under 
covert of this pretended triumph, more successfully propa- 
gating his more vital doctrinal errors, and gaining proselytes, 
especially from the Baptists, to his party. This was, indeed, 
the result, beyond, perhaps, his most sanguine expectations. 
Great pains were taken to throw this pamphlet over the entire 
field of Dr. Ralston' s labors. The Doctor found it necessary 
to buckle on his armor and prepare for battle. This he did 
in his pulpit. But in this way alone, he knew he could not 
fully reach the evil. He wrote and published in the Presby- 
terian Magazine, a series of letters, reviewing the debate. 
These letters he soon after published in a pamphlet of 300 
pages. He had carefully revised and enlarged the letters, 
and added two more, addressed to Mr. Walker. The work 
is entitled "A Review of a Debate on Christian Baptism, 
between Mr. John Walker, a minister of the Secession, and 
Mr. Alexander Campbell, a Baptist minister, published by 



216 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

llr. Campbell — in a series of letters addressed and dedicated 
oO the united congregations of Mingo creek and William sport : 
by their affectionate pastor, Samuel Ralston. To which is 
aow added a reply to objections made by both Mr. Campbell 
.ind Mr. Walker." This little book was published in Wash- 
ington, 1825. It is certainly a masterly performance. It 
carries us over the entire field usually occupied by the Baptist 
controversy. The reader will find every argument of essen- 
tial importance fully and fairly brought forward, on both 
sides of the subject. It is a valuable storehouse, an excellent 
arsenal, where any one who may have occasion, will find all 
he wants, in discussing the subject of baptism. There is, 
however, one feature of this valuable work, which not a little 
.mars it, in our estimation. He contends that the Abrahamic 
covenant, recorded in the 17th chapter of Genesis, is a mere 
ecclesiastical covenant — that as circumcision was its seal 
under the former dispensation, so baptism is now the seal 
merely of the external, visible church — that a profession of 
saving faith is not necessary to admission, through the ordi- 
nance of baptism ; in other words, that an historical faith, a 
moral life, and professed subjection to the discipline of the 
church, are sufficient to entitle any one to admission into the 
visible church by baptism, and to bring with them also, of 
course, their children. Yet he would not, on these terms, 
receive them to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. In order 
to admission to this seal of the covenant, satisfactory evidence 
of evangelical repentance and saving faith, should be required. 
In this way he would distinguish, in regard to the two ordi- 
nances of the Gospel. His views of the true construction of 
the commission " to disciple all nations," are of course modi- 
ied by his positions, as to the qualifications requisite to admis- 
sion, by baptism, into the visible church. He believed that 
not only infants, but others who are willing to place them- 
selves under the culture of the church, are, by baptism, taken 
out of the visible kingdom of Satan, in which all are born, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 217 

as the children of a degenerate parent, and planted in the 
vineyard, or church of Grod, the usual birth-place of the chil- 
dren of grace ; and become entitled, by the divine promise, 
to what Christ calls, " digging about and dunging," or such 
instruction, by the Word and Spirit, through the instrumen- 
tality of their parents, and of the church, as is calculated to 
make them " trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, 
that he might be glorified." Through various portions of 
the work, Dr. Ralston maintains, with great ingenuity and 
force of argument, his peculiar views. He endeavors also to 
meet every objection. He is very far from defending any 
lax or latitudinarian system, as to the discipline of the church, 
or as to admission to the Lord's Table. He is no advocate 
for any mincing or softening down of the terms of the gospel, 
or the humbling truths of man's total depravity, and entire 
dependence on the sovereign grace of Grod, for a new heart 
and a right spirit. Yet we think he entirely breaks down, 
when he attempts to show a distinction between the condi- 
tions of the two seals of the covenant ; or rather, to show 
that one is a seal of an ecclesiastical covenant, and the other 
the seal of the covenant of grace. And when he attempts 
to explain away the cases of Lydia, of the Jailor, and of the 
Eunuch, in every one of which it seems to us clear, that not 
a mere speculative or historical faith, but a true, saving faith 
was professed, we think there is what Mr. Porter calls much 
" wire-drawing." It is not our purpose, however, to discuss 
this subject. We must admit that Dr. Ralston has put forth 
the strength of a mighty mind in maintaining his ground. 
And we would advise any one who may ever meet with this 
work, to read over Turretine's " De foedere gratise," especially 
his " Locus duodecimus," before he decides the question, 
which Dr. Ralston so ably discusses. 

The progress of " Campbellism" in Western Pennsylvania, 
we have no doubt, was greatly checked by Dr. Ralston's 
work. That bold, eloquent, talented, but unscrupulous here- 
19 



HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

siarch, was shown up in his true colors, and his influence was 
crippled. Except in a few localities, where there was little 
opportunity to enlighten the people, his erroneous tenets 
gathered but few disciples. And so matters remain to this 
day. So far as we have been able to learn, that form of error 
is on the decline in Western Pennsylvania, and evangelical 
Christianity should honor the memory of Dr. Ralston.* 

In 1842, Dr. Ralston published " A brief explication of 
the principal Prophecies of Daniel and John, as they regard 
the Church of God ;" to which was added " An Appendix, 
containing an inquiry into the propriety of using an Evangel- 
ical Psalmody, in the worship of God." Of this work, though 
we have read it with great satisfaction, we prefer to let Dr. 
Magill speak : u Here, at the age of eighty -six, when retired 
from pastoral life to a quietude and seclusion from the world, 
which would have relaxed to second childhood many another 
man of sixty years, we have a display of power to observe, and 
generalize, and investigate profoundly, which very few, in the 
vigor of their prime can ever attain. Volumes of useful 
information are compressed in a duodecimo, of some one hun- 
dred and eighty pages. Faber, Newton, Croly, Scott, Keith, 
&c, dissected with a master's hand ; their merits indicated, 
and their defects ascertained, with a brevity and fidelity which 
compel our admiration. Indeed, the student of philosophy 
can scarcely find a better history of criticism on this great 

*Dr. Magill, in his beautiful obituary of Dr. Ralston, speaking of this 
work on baptism, says : " When Campbellisin began to agitate the country, 
and the founder of the sect was glorying in his victory over Walker and 
others, whom he encountered in oral debate, Dr. Ralston published a book 
on baptism, comprising a review of the debate with Mr. Walker, and letters 
in reply to an attack of Mr. Campbell on this Review. This little work is 
one of remarkable force and erudition. No subsequent debate with Camp- 
bell, however triumphant and deservedly popular, has evinced greater skill 
or cogency in exposing his protoan sophistry. Whatever diversity of opinion 
may exist among us respecting some positions taken by the author, all must 
concede that in originality and power, this book is one of surpassing merit." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 219 

subject, with any volume of moderate size. And as a key of 
interpretation, it is precisely such as was inevitable to a gigan- 
tic mind laboring without a library. Connected with this 
publication, and bound up in the same volume, is a pungent 
examination of a Mr. Reid's book, entitled " The Seven Last 
Plagues." The sixth vial of this book is poured out on all 
Christendom, excepting the sect to which the author belongs, 
with special aim to overwhelm the churches in which Christ 
is sung expressly, as having already come in the person of 
Jesus of Nazareth. His strictures on Mr. Reid brought Dr. 
Ralston into the Psalmody controversy, and occasioned the 
next and last publication from his pen, " A Defence of 
Evangelical Psalmody." Manly discussion, inflexible deter- 
mination to keep his antagonist to the true point at issue, 
and a calm dignity of manner, which no misrepresentation 
or abuse could disturb, eminently characterize this last effort 
of his life to be useful through the press. It was made in 
the eighty-eighth year of his life. The whole history of 
modern polemics cannot produce a parallel instance, perhaps, 
of such fresh activity, quick perception, spirited reply, and 
powerful concentration, beyond the limits of four-score years. 
We heartily unite in this testimony. Though there are por- 
tions of this work that we think Dr. Ralston would not have 
written in the full vigor of his intellectual powers, there are 
other parts that we regard as admirable. Nothing that has 
been written, on this rather unprofitable controversy, is more 
to the point, in our judgment, than Dr. Ralston's " No. V., 
containing Scriptural precedents for an Evangelical Psalmody." 
The part of the volume which we regard as least interest- 
ing, and most assailable, is what he says about " Human 
Inventions," and " Human Composure." The writer, we 
think, is betrayed into a species of logomachy, of little 
importance to the issue of the case. 

This last work of Dr. Ralston was well received and exten- 
sively circulated. It was perhaps more generally read than 



220 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

any thing which he had previously written. But his pilgrim- 
age on earth was drawing to a close. He had, in 1836, given 
up the charge of Williamsport church ; a few years after he 
resigned also that of Mingo. In his quiet residence on his 
farm, he waited with patience the coming of his master. He 
continued till near his last days to attend the services of Grod's 
house — though increasing deafness must have greatly dimin- 
ished his enjoyment in the sanctuary. He generally attended 
the Presbyterial and Synodical meetings of his brethren. 
But he had witnessed the successive departure from this life 
of all his first fellow-laborers in the gospel ministry. In 
1832, he had been called to preach a discourse at Chartiers, 
in reference to the death of Dr. M'Millan, his earliest and 
most intimate Western friend.* But his own sojourn was 
protracted far beyond the usual limit of human life. For not 
till September 25, 1851, did he receive his dismission. Then, 
in the bosom of his family, in great quietness and peace, he 
gently sunk into the arms of death, and fell asleep in Jesus. 
We cannot better close this memoir, than by giving the 
concluding part of Dr. Magill's obituary notice of this aged 
servant of God : "It was a matter of regret to this vene- 
rable father, as he once said to the writer, with manifest emo- 
tion, that nearly all his writings were controversial ; that he 
had been a man of war from his youth. It had been his duty. 
It was not his natural disposition : his temper was peculiarly 
bland, and genial and courteous. As a remarkable illustra- 
tion of his pacific turn, as well as honorable and delicate sen- 
sibility, his successors in the pastoral charge always loved 
him, more than feared ; and always found him scrupulously 



*No one can read that discourse without feeling a deeper sentiment of 
veneration and respect for the character of Dr. M'Millan. It will also, 
perhaps, exalt the talents and piety of Dr. Ralston more than anything ha 
has ever written, while it cannot fail to throw a new interest upon the past 
and future of Jefferson College. It deserves to be read " twice through 
without stopping." — J. S. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 221 

careful to hold up their hands, and strengthen them in the 
respect and affections of their people. It is rather a sad com- 
mentary jm the frailties of retiring ministers, that we must 
hold up this trait of Dr. Ralston as anywise remarkable and 
singular. It is true, we have other beautiful illustrations of 
such magnanimity among us ; but it is to be lamented greatly 
that some men contrive, without exactly designing it, to 
embroil the people they can no longer feed, and take a per- 
verse care that no one succeed to the confidence and love in 
which they were once embosomed. This noble patriarch in 
our Zion lived only to cheer and bless the young brethren 
who followed him, in one branch of his charge, twenty years, 
and in the other fifteen years, after his retirement. ' He 
loved peace/ writes the pastor of Mingo Church, where Dr. 
Ralston continued to reside and worship, ( and the business 
of peace-making was his great delight.* And all his influ- 
ence went to establish the pastor in the affections of the peo- 
ple. There was much that was truly generous and kind 
in the elements of his soul. His friendship was ardent and 
constant.' As a preacher, he was eminently didactic and dis- 
tinctive ; clear, copious and profound in the exposition and 
defence of saving truth. And yet, like every man of truly 
gifted mind, he was full of strong emotion ; which led him 
to earnest and strong appeals of a practical kind. Perhaps 
his manner of treating subjects had too much of a contro- 
versial air : but with him there was no bitterness of spirit. 
He was the very opposite of that modern picture of Christian 



*When asked onoo in Presbytery for his session-book, he replied, "Wo 
have had nothing to record." "Do you nevor have any judicial proceed- 
ings ?" was asked. " We never had but one case, and that many years 
ago ; and I was determined then that we would never have another. We 
got such matters settled without a judicial process !" And yet he did not 
neglect discipline. — J. S. 

19* 



222 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

love which hates nothing so much as honesty and earnest- 
ness, in maintaining one's own conviction of truth and duty. 
What he stoutly claimed for himself, he heartily granted to 
others. He was therefore truly catholic in his feelings, and 
utterly remote from bigotry and rancor. He loved with broad 
and deep affection all that differed from him; just in pro- 
portion to the enlightened zeal with which he vindicated the 
distinctive tenets of his own profession. As an ecclesiastic, 
he was ever distinguished for punctuality and faithfulness 
in attending church courts. Always attentive and interested 
in the business of a judicatory, he acquired such a ready 
apprehension of matters usually transacted there, that even 
when he ceased to hear the ordinary tones of speech on the 
floor, he could discern what many others who had ears to hear, 
failed to perceive ; and mingle the expressions of his own 
opinion with a pertinence which often excited the wonder of 
his juniors. Indeed, until he was over ninety years old, and 
his infirmities absolutely hindered him from travel, he was 
among the most regular, useful members, of the Presbytery 
and the Synod. He possessed pre-eminently that triple ele- 
ment of Christian courage, which the Apostle describes as 
' the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.' Ar- 
dent as were his feelings, constitutionally, and ready as they 
were to be zealously affected in every good thiDg, (as in the 
great revival, where bodily affections were strangely intermin- 
gled,) he was exceedingly discreet and sober, and well bal- 
anced in his estimation of a popular rage or fanatical excite- 
ment. Long before the General Assembly was brought to 
rebuke the technical Abolitionism of the day, and before the 
Princeton Review, or any other conservative journal, spoke 
out on the subject, Dr. Ralston was well known to inculcate 
the very same principles of scriptural truth and practical wis.- 
dom that now govern, with almost universal consent, our 
favored Church on the agitated subject of slavery. Resem- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 223 

bling these solid attributes of his understanding, was the type 
of his personal piety. It was remarkably free from irregular 
impulse and distressing variation. Tender and humble, and 
self-abasing, it was yet almost uniformly serene and cheerful. 
Few men exhibited a more delicate and lively appreciation of 
God's favor, in the smallest mercies of his Providence or 
grace. Gratitude, then, fiducial gratitude, which will, under 
any circumstances, ' thank God and take courage/ which so 
beautifully distinguished the piety of David, and with which 
he ever imbues even the saddest song — ' Because thou hast 
been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I 
rejoice' — was the prevailing characteristic of Dr. Ralston' s 
personal piety. Upon this beautiful adornment of a calm 
and thankful spirit, he wore the gem of consistency, which 
no man could ever impeach. Temptation to swerve was 
not only repelled by the dignity of his peculiar character, but 
far more was vanquished by a conscientiousness, which a fitful 
and variable experience of personal religion lamentably wants. 
His powerful mind, active, unclouded and strong, till the 
very last, grappled with the last enemy, death, as it had been 
wont to do with sin and error, for almost a century of time. 
He was cheerful and happy in the prospect, girded and roused, 
yet tranquil, and even sublime, in the near approach. On the 
day of his death, he looked out once more on the visible mili- 
tant Church, that he had loved so much, and watched with so 
great solicitude — reading with fresh interest a late number of 
the Presbyterian. Then as the struggle came on, he calmly 
felt his own pulse, found it sinking away, and exclaimed, 
without faltering or agitation : ' I am ready ; I am a sinner 
saved by grace. Tell my brethren — tell the congregation 
that I die in the faith I have so long preached. I die relying 
upon the meritorious righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ : 
What a blessing to have such a rock I' " 

The congregation of Mingo and Monongahela City erected 



224 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

a beautiful marble monument over bis grave, in tbe Mingo 
creek burying ground, with tbe following inscription : 

REV. SAMUEL RALSTON, D. D., 

BORN 

In Ireland, 175 6. 

DIED 

September 2 5, 1851. 

He was educated in the University of Glasgow, Scotland. 
Emigrated to the United States, A. D. 1794. 

Ordained pastor of the United Congregations of Mingo Creek and 
Monongahela City, 1796. On this field he sowed the good seed 
of the word, for nearly half a century. Distinguished as 
a scholar, a profound expositor of sacred truth, a 
faithful watchman on the walls of Zion, and a 
devoted servant of God, he was intimately iden- 
tified with the advancement of literature, 
religion and religious liberty, in 
this Western country. 

" And he, being dead, yet speaketh." 
" The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." 

Tbe following discourse, delivered on tbe deatb of Dr. 
M'Millan, contains so much that is worthy to be read, that 
we cannot doubt its insertion here will be acceptable to many 
readers : 

A FUNERAL SERMON 

On the occasion of the death of the Rev. John M'Millan, D. D., late of 
Ohartiers. By Samuel Ralston. 

" My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." 

2 Kings, 2 : 12. 

These words are the strong and fervid exclamation of the prophet Elisha., 
when he saw his spiritual father and beloved master ascending to heaven in 
a chariot of fire. To understand the full import, and feel the force of these 
words, it will be necessary to recollect that, in those days, the principal 
strength of a nation for defending themselves, and repelling their enemies, 
consisted in their chariots of war, and cavalry or horsemen. From the days 
of Abraham to the coming of Christ, the visible church, the usual birthplace 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 225 

of the children of grace, was confined to the descendants of that patriarch, 
in the lino of Isaac and Jacob ; who, on account of his prevalency with God, 
by prayer, was surnamed Israel. In the days of Elijah, true religion, which 
consists in the knowledge and sincere worship of Jehovah, the true and the 
living God, had experienced a woeful decline in the Jewish nation, especially 
in that portion of it comprehending the kingdom of Israel. We are told in 
the 19th chapter of the 1st Book of Kings, that in all that kingdom there 
were only seven thousand men, with the prophet Elijah, who had not bowed 
the knee to Baal, one of the idol gods of the surrounding idolatrous nations. 
Elisha was doubtless acquainted with this woeful degeneracy ,• and it was 
doubtless this circumstance, with other mournful considerations hereafter to 
be mentioned, that constrained him to exclaim, when his beloved master was 
removed from him, " My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the 
horsemen thereof:" It was as if he had said, "what will become of the 
church of the true and living God, when thou, my father, the unbending 
advocate of the truth and of true religion, the honest preacher of righteous- 
ness, and the undaunted reprover of error and immorality, even in kings, 
art taken from us. May we not expect still more degenerate days, unless 
Jehovah will, in mercy, raise up another, or others, who will vindicate the 
truth, and endeavor to put a stop to prevailing error and irreligion ?", And 
the King and Head of the church did so, in the porson of the mourning and 
almost distracted Elisha himself: he received a double portion of his mas- 
ter's spirit The doctrine evidontly deducible from this affecting incident is, 
that the death of good men, though to them unspeakable gain, is a most 
serious public loss, to both Church and State, but especially to the church ; 
and ought to be deplored and improved by survivors, by being followers of 
them, wherein they followed Christ. " Be not slothful," saith the Apostle, 
" but followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the prom- 
ises." Our design, then, on the present occasion, is to show in what respects 
the death of good men is a public loss, especially to the church ,• with a spe- 
cial reference to the loss which we have experienced in the death of our 
father and friend, the late Dr. John M'Millan, whoso decease we are assem- 
bled this day to deplore. 

1st. All good men are lovers of the truth, especially of the truth as it is 
in Jesus. They love it not only for its own sake, but because they know 
that it is by the truth, and by the truth only, that man, immersed by sin in 
thick moral darkness, and the slave of vice, can be led to see his danger, 
and to feel his deep moral maladies, and be persuaded to accept of that rem- 
edy which God has provided in his Son, as a Redeemer from wrath and 
from sin, and who is able and willing to redeem all who will go unto him. 
Yes, it is by the mournful and Scriptural truth, that man is now a guilty, 
morally defiled, and morally helpless creature, that he can be convinced of 
his danger, and constrained to inquire, " what he shall do to be savod." It 



226 HISTORY or JEFFERSON college. 

is also by the gracious and glorious truth, that God so loved the world, guilty 
and rebellious and wicked as it is, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that 
whosoever believeth on him, should not perish, but have everlasting life — 
that the awakened sinner is preserved from sinking into despair, and from 
rushing against the bosses of Jehovah's buckler, and to cry, "Lord, save 
me, I perish ;" and who never suffered any to perish who have cried to him 
for salvation from wrath and from sin. And it is by the truth that there is 
an all-sufficiency of grace in Christ, that the humble and honest believer is 
supported and sanctified. " Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is 
truth," is one of the last and gracious prayers that Christ offered up to his 
Heavenly Father in behalf of his church and people. Need I tell a single 
individual present how distinguished our father and friend, whose decease 
we are met to deplore, was in teaching and preaching these radical truths 
and fundamental doctrines of the religion of Jesus. Many of you remem- 
ber how you felt, perhaps trembled, when that man of God, for the purpose 
of awakening you to a sense of your danger, and showing you your need 
of the Saviour, portrayed in his own peculiarly strong but scriptural terms, 
the indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, that await all who live 
and die without an interest in that blood that was shed for the remission of 
sins. As just now observed, this is a radical principle in the Christian sys- 
tem, and should be an indispensable element in every sermon ; and in 
preaching it, our departed father and friend exceeded all men we have ever 
met with or heard preach. What avails it that a preacher unfolds to his 
audience in the clearest manner the character and offices of the Saviour 
whom God has provided, if at the same time he neglects, or but faintly points 
out the wretchedness and danger of the wicked, or of the thoughtless and 
unbelieving ? They are not morally sick, but whole, in their own estimation. 
Thorefore all that can be told them of the wisdom and grace of the plan of 
redemption, through Christ, is in the nature of things confined to the intellect, 
but can never pierce the conscience, nor affect the heart. Not so, however, 
was it with the late pastor of this congregation. Knowing the terrors of the 
Lord, and knowing also that Christ came into the world, not to call the 
righteous, or those who suppose they are righteous, but sinners, or those who 
feel they are sinners, to repentance, he spent his strength and life endeavor- 
ing to convince them that they were morally wretched and poor, and misera- 
ble, and blind and nakod ; for the purpose of persuading them to go to 
Christ, " for gold tried in the fire, that they might be enriched ; for white 
raiment, that they might bo clothed, and that the shame of their nakedness 
might not appear ; and to anoint their eyes with eye salvo of his grace, that 
they might see" — see at the same time their inveterate disease and gracious 
remedy. He did not tell you, as, alas ! some preachers within even the pale 
of tho Presbyterian church tell their hearers, that conversion is an easy 
work j as easy as to rise from their seats and walk out of their pews, and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 227 

that they had sufficient ability so to do; but he told you, from the word of 
God, that you were without strength — that your ability and strength to turn 
from sin to holiness, was to be found in Christ, and Christ alone, through 
the agency of his Holy Spirit, given to all who honestly ask that gift in his 
name, or for his sake — that to obtain this strength you should cry unto himj 
and that while you were crying, you should endeavor to cast yourselves upon 
him, who is made of God, to all who do so, "wisdom and righteousnses and 
sanctification and redemption." He never told you, as some falsely charge 
those who hold that salvation is altogether of grace, as telling their hoarers 
to wait God's own time to convert you ; and if he converted you, well and 
good, and if not, you were not to blame ; but he impressed upon you in the 
strongest manner, the obligation you were under to believe that record which 
God has given in his precious Word, respecting his Son, that in him, and in 
him alone, there is life ; and exhorted you while you acknowledged and 
bewailed your deep moral imbecility to conceive even a good thought to 
plead his precious promises, " to take away the heart of stone and to give 
you an heart of flesh," or an humble, tender and believing heart to put his 
Spirit within you, and to cause you, " to walk in his statutes and keep his 
judgments and do them." And when you had ground to hope, that God had 
graciously heard your cry, you remember well, wo trust, that in exhorting 
you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, he told you that it 
is God who works in his children to will and to do of his good pleasure ; 
and directed you at tho same time to look unto and to depend on his all- 
sufficient grace. 

And here lot me further call up to your remembrance tho glowing fervor 
with which ho held up to your view the blessed Jesus, as the only city of 
refuge, where the sword of inflexible justice can neither reach nor punish. 
Do not many of you remember how your hearts burned within you, when 
he exhibited him in all his transcendent loveliness, as God-man-Mediator, 
the Brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image of his person, 
and in whom all the fullness of the Godhead substantially dwells ? And 
when ho depicted the love of Jesus in dying, the just for the unjust, and 
receiving the sword of inflexible justice into his own spotless bosom, to pre- 
vent its being sheathed in your guilty hearts, did not your trembling, 
and, at the same time, exulting souls, exclaim with the Apostle, "It is a 
faithful saying, or a saying worthy of all credit, and worthy of all accepta- 
tion, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, even the chiefest of 
them?" And have you not felt a willingness to be saved by this Jesus; to 
be washed in his blood from all your guilt, to be clothed upon with the spot- 
less robe of his righteousness, to be sanctified by his Spirit, to be governed 
by his Word, and to be guided by his wisdom? With the Apostle Paul, this 
" Christ and him crucified" was the constant, and to himself, the delightful 
theme of all our departed father's ministrations ; because he knew, from his 
own experience, and we trust that a number of you know from your expe- 



228 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

rience also, that this theme, and this theme alone, is, in the hand of the 
Divine Spirit, the power of God, and the wisdom of God to the salvation of 
sinners. How jejune and empty and profitless are the abstruse speculations 
and metaphysical disquisitions of many of our published sermons in the 
present day, when compared with this apostolical theme, which ran and 
shone like a golden thread, in all the pulpit exhibitions of our departed 
father and fiiend, as all who have ever heard him can testify. The one is 
what the Apostle calls " philosophy falsely so called :" the other is the true 
philosophy sent down from Heaven, recorded in God's own book, and embo- 
died in this heavenly theme, for the purpose of saving perishing sinners. 
The one is called by the Apostle James, " the wisdom that is earthly, sensual, 
and devilish;" or of human invention; calculated to please the blinded 
mind and depraved heart of man ; and the invention of the fathor of lies 
and of error. But the other came down ''from above," and " is pure, peace- 
able, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercies and good fruits, without 
partiality and without hypocrisy." And yet it was not merely to instruct 
the ignorant in the knowledge of tho plan of redemption, through a crucified 
Christ, that he dwelt so much and so often on this, to him, delightful theme. 
Ho had another highly important object in view, to bring it to operate with 
its designed power and sanctifying influence on the heart. He knew he 
taught that man was at the same time a guilty and morally defiled creature, 
and that "without holiness no man can see the Lord." And he knew that 
nothing but the doctrines of tho cross are in themselves calculated, and by 
God blessed, to subduo the proud heart of man to the obedience of faith, 
and to produce that repentance unto life, not to be repented of. Hence, 
then, as you can all testify, he inculcatod, more or less, in every sermon, the 
indispensable necessity of experimental religion ; or, as Christ expressed it, 
in his conference with Nicodemus, that unless a man is born again, or from 
above, he cannot see, he cannot enter the kingdom of glory hereafter. And 
in this, as well as for awakening the careless, thoughtless sinner to a sense 
of his danger, his sermons equaled, if not exceeded any I have ever read or 
heard on these subjects. You all remember how particular, close, clear, 
pungent and various were the questions for self-examination which he pressod 
upon you in every sermon on this highly important point. And here I would 
remark what I think many of you must have remarked, that scarcely a head 
of his discourses was dismissed without a particular application of the doc- 
trine contained in that head to tho hearts and consciences of his hearers. 
In this he had a peculiar talent and happy facility — that while the under- 
standing of the hearer was admiring the wisdom, the mercy and the grace 
of God, in devising and executing the plan of redemption through a cruci- 
fied Christ, he was constrained to ask himself, " am I in Christ and inter- 
ested in this gracious and glorious plan? or am I yet in my sins; in the gall 
of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity ?" Under tho divine blessing this, 
to myself, has, in a great measure, accounted for his great success in winning 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 229 

souls to Christ ; for it is God's plan of redemption, and the way he requires 
that plan to be exhibited to sinners, that God blesses and ever will bless. 
And yet there is another and very important part of ministerial duty ; in 
the discharge of which I have often admired the tact and talent of our 
departod father and friend, as much as in these which I have mentioned. 
This, in theological language, is termed casuistry ; and consists in pointing 
out the specific difference between real and counterfeit graces, if graces the 
latter may bo called, and also in pouring the balm of divine consolation into 
the perplexed and distressed heart. Experimentally acquainted himself 
with the devices of Satan, and with the influence which remaining corrup- 
tion, in the hearts of God's people, has, in weakening their faith, lessening 
their love, and repressing their hope, he unraveled with a skillful hand all 
the snares and stratagems of the wicked ono ; held out in such captivating 
colors the many precious promises of needed grace, to all Christ's humble 
but fainting followers, as dispelled their doubts, strengthened their faith, 
expanded their love, and reanimated their hope, and disposed them to forgot 
the things that are behind, to reach forth to those that are before, and in 
borrowed strength to press forward toward the mark for the prize of the high 
calling of God in Christ Jesus, the Lord. Frequently have I observed, under 
his preaching, many of the children of God hanging their heads like a bul- 
rush ; and if they lifted up their faces, they were covered with clouds and 
mental distress : but no sooner did ho address himself to this delightful part 
of his public ministrations — no sooner did ho begin to exhibit tho grace of 
Christ in its exuberant riches, unbounded fullness, and unlimited freeness, 
than the accumulated clouds began to scatter before the rays of the sun of 
righteousness arising upon them with healing in his wings ; and I thought I 
saw the resolution of Paul, when in similar circumstances, written on their 
countenances : " I will glory in my infirmitios, that the power of Christ may 
rest upon mo." Such was our departed father, as a man of God and minis- 
ter of Christ, in handling the word of God, for doctrine, for reproof, for cor- 
rection, and instruction in righteousness. And now, when we consider his 
soundness in the faith, and well-earned influence in this part of our Western 
Israel, on the church, when we consider that the enemy of truth and of 
righteousness is pouring a flood of error into our church, with a new set of 
means of grace, or "measures," as they call them, suited to those errors; 
and although we have reason to bless God that there are more than seven 
thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal, or adopted those errors 
with their corresponding measures, yet when we consider how great the loss 
of such a man is at such a period, have we not considerable reason to 
bewail it in tho language of our text, and say, " Our father, our father, the 
chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof?" 

2d. There is another point of light in which our departed father should 
be viewed, both to do full justice to his character, and that it may be profit- 

20 



230 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

able for our imitation. All good men, as good men, aro necessarily possessed 
of a spirit of philanthropy, or a desire to do good unto others. And where 
they have been blessed with a liberal education, there is nothing which they 
desire more than to communicate its advantages to others. They know well 
that civil liberty, although obtained at a large expense of treasure and of 
blood, as was our own, can never be stable, nor perpetuated, but by the diffu- 
sion of useful knowledge among the people. Hence, then, they have ever 
been the supporters of schools and colleges, while domagoguos and disor- 
ganizes discourage them, as far as they can do so, with safety to their own 
interests. Good men also know that as knowledge is indispensably necessary 
for the health and prosperity of the State, it is still more so for the health 
and welfare of the Church ; while literature is cried down by errorists and 
heretics, that have, in every age, marred the beauty of the daughter of Zion. 
Now there are names enrolled in the different Encyclopedias, as benefactors 
of mankind, and patrons of useful arts and sciences, who, in their sphere, 
have not done as much for the support of useful literature as our lamented 
father has done. When ho first came to this country, it was an awful moral 
waste. The country was filling up rapidly, and the settlements extending 
on every side. But himself and two others excepted, there were none to 
preach the everlasting gospel to them — the only means of salvation, and the 
only effectual barrier against the prevalency of vice and immorality. Well 
knowing that an ignorant ministry is as apt to do as much evil as good : "for 
if the blind lead the blind they must both fall into the ditch" — he did all 
that could be done. He built a small log house near his own ; and as few 
men were better judges of others than he was, he there collected such men 
as Porter, Marquis, and M'Cready, whom some of you knew ; and gratui- 
tously instructed them so as to be usefnl in the ministry. And few were 
more useful in their day. And that little log academy was the germ of all 
the Academies and Colleges that adorn and fructify our country at present 
with the streams of science and useful literature. When the increasing 
demands of the church required an enlargement of this useful little academy, 
it was transferred to Canonsburg, then a young and rising village.* Through 

* It appears that Dr. Ralston, in several particulars, has given an account respect- 
ing the Log-Cabin School, and its transfer to Canonsburg, in harmony with the current 
popular traditions about the whole matter. It will be remembered that Dr. Balaton 
came out to Western Pennsylvania in 1795, and could not have known personally 
anything about the movements of Messrs. Dodd and Smith, ten or twelve years beforo 
that time. It will not be forgotten also that he was not personally cognizant of what 
transpired in 1790 and 1791. The statements of Messrs. Robert Patterson and Darby, 
and the language of Dr. M'Millan himself, as quoted in " Old Redstone" and in the 
" History of Jefferson College," are slightly at variance with some of the above state- 
ments of Dr. Ralston. But we do not regard these statements as essentially dero- 
gating, in the least degree, from the just claims of honor and praise here given to Dr 
M'Millan.— J. 8. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RALSTON. 231 

the influence of our lamented father, a house was erected suitable to the 
existing demands, teachers provided, among whom was the late amiable, 
modest, scientific, pious and lamented Professor Miller, and a charter of 
incorporation obtained from the Legislature of the State. I had then the 
honor of becoming connected with it as a Trustee ; and well do I remember 
the difficulties with which we had to struggle in keeping it in operation. 
The greatest number of students were pious but not wealthy young men, 
and consequently unable to contribute that remuneration for their tuition 
that was necessary for the support of the professors. And here I should not 
omit to mention what may not be known to many here, or to the public at 
large, but is known to myself, and some who hear me, that our lamented 
father, whose liberality and philanthropy knew no bounds, when the inter- 
ests of literature and of the church were concerned, for many years gave 
ten pounds yearly, out of a salary of one hundred pounds, Pennsylvania 
currency, for the support of the Academy. And there is no doubt but that 
he considered himself more than repaid, from the consideration and fact that 
in that Academy were taught most, if not all, those who have planted the 
churches beyond the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. In process of time, from 
causes not necessary to mention here, that Academy, then changed into a 
College by an act of the Legislature, suffered not only a great depression, 
but its very existence was jeopardized. Although I knew that it had been 
a child of prayer, and although I know that many a fervent prayer for its 
success and stability were sent up daily from the family altars of the faith- 
ful around, yet I confess that my own faith for its continued existence failed ; 
and I once thought that I saw it draw its last gasp. But not so was it with 
the faith of our deceased father. It was like that of Abraham when required 
to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, unflinching and unfailing ; and he, like 
that distinguished Patriarch, " hoped even against hope." To continue its 
existence, a new and extensive College must be erected ; and there was not 
a dollar in the treasury of the Trustees. At tho suggestion of our father, 
a statement of our wants and an appeal was made to a generous public. It 
was not made in vain ; and such generous donations flowed into our treasury 
from all quarters, as justified the Trustees to commence building a second 
College edifice. And I need scarcely say that the extensive influence of 
our father, and the veneration in which he was hold abroad, had no small 
influence in procuring those donations. The foundation of the second build- 
ing was laid deep and solid by our doceasod father, by a fervent prayer of 
faith, and which, like every prayer of faith, is enrolled in the Archives of 
Heaven. Should Jefferson College, in the lapse of time, be brought to the 
same state of depression in which we have seen it, I think that there is 
neither fanaticism nor presumption in believing and saying, that the preva- 
lency of that heaven-recorded prayer will prove the means of its resuscitation. 
The public donations for the erection of the second College edifice, though 
generous beyond expectation, were not sufficient to complete it, on account 



232 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of its size and extensiveness; and a second appeal to the public was not 
judged prudent or expedient. In this dilemma, the public spirit and gene- 
rosity of our venerated father, with that of the late Craig Ritchie, Esq., of 
Canonsburg, were brought into action and came to our aid. Each of them 
advanced some hundreds of dollars ; nor were their purses shut until the 
building was completed, and fitted for the reception of the students. And 
not only so, but both of them spont a considerable portion of their time in 
providing materials and superintending the work during its progress. These 
acts of generosity and public spirit are, perhaps, not known to many here; 
but are known to myself and to the Trustees of the College, some of whom 
are now under my eye. True, they were repaid the money which they 
advanced, after some years, out of a donation given to the College by the 
Legislature of the State ; but it is as true that the prospect of their being repaid, 
when they advanced the money, was very doubtful. For the Legislature 
were not in the giving mood to colleges at that time, nor for some years after. 
We have already observed that the Prophets of old were preachers of 
truth and righteousness, as well as predictors of future events. We are told 
that there were schools of the prophets in the days of the prophet Samuel, 
where the principles of the true religion wore taught. We are also told that 
there were sons of the prophets, in the days of Elijah, and it is to be pre- 
sumed that there were schools where they were taught; and that Elijah was 
a distinguished patron and supporter of those schools; and we think it a 
rational and fair inference that a consideration of the loss which those 
schools would sustain, by the removal of Elijah to Heaven, entered into and 
formed a principal element of Elisha's exclamation, "My father, my father, 
the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof!" And now, when we reflect 
upon the many hundreds of men who have been educated in Jefferson Col- 
lege — that many of them have filled, and are now filling respectable and 
useful stations in the departments of law and modicine — when we also reflect 
upon the numbers who have gone forth from it, as preachers of Christ and 
of righteousness; (some of whom are respectable presidents of other col- 
leges, and some are gone as missionaries of the cross, to announce pardon 
and peace through a crucified Christ — that delightful theme of our lamented 
father's ministrations — to those who aro lying in the thickest shades of mental 
and moral darkness in Africa, in Hindostan, and in our own land,) — and 
when wo reflect that our departed fatherwas its sole founder, thathe watched 
over its interests with paternal care for half a century — that he spent much 
of his precious time in promoting its interests — and that his purse was always 
open for the supply of its manifold wants — that next to the Church of Christ, 
it was the dearest object of his solicitude and supplications at a throne of 
grace — as I know from many conversations with him on the subject; and 
that the primary design of erecting Jefferson College, was to train young 
men for the gospel ministry — when, I say, we reflect upon these things, 
would it be a perversion of our text to substitute Jefferson College for Israel, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RALSTON. 233 

and say, " Our fathor, our father, the chariot of Jefferson College, and the 
horsemen thereof." I risk nothing, nor will I offend a single individual of 
my brethron in the ministry, when I say that, for soundness in the faith, for 
unwavering love of the truth as it is in Jesus, and for opposition to the 
errors and innovations that have crept into our church — for an ardent love 
for the salvation of souls, and unwearied labors and endeavors in the support 
of literature, as tho handmaid of true religion, our father has not left a 
superior, if an equal, behind him, in the Synod of Pittsburgh, perhaps in 
the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Oh! when shall our 
church be blessed with another Dr. John M'Millan ! But he has rested from his 
labors, and his works have followed him, as evidences of his love to Christ, 
and untiring labors amidst infirmities and the waste of old age, in promoting 
the interests of true and undefiled religion. And now, how shall we, whom 
he hath left behind, in this land of sorrows and valley of tears, profit by 
this afflicting dispensation of Providence ? By being followers of him 
wherein he followed Christ. And those of us to whom the ministration of 
the gospel is committed, ought to improve this dispensation, by maintaining, 
like him, an unwavoring love of tho truth, as embodied in the standards of 
our church, whatever opposition we meet with in so doing ; or whatever 
contempt may be thrown upon us by those who have swerved from the 
truth, or who are indifferent to the true interests of our church. Not many 
months ago, in this place, he raised his warning voice, and wo might almost 
say his dying voice, to the watchmen on Zion's walls, directing them to the 
enemy, who has been coming in like a flood, and pointing out their duty in 
opposing that enemy of Christ, of truth, and of righteousness. Let us, 
then, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, set our faces as flints against this 
enemy ; and in reliance on the Divino Spirit, endeavor to keep the standard 
of Christ floating on the walls of our Zion, should we even perish in tho 
attempt. Let us also, like him, be instant in season and out of season, in 
preaching Christ and him crucified, and in reproving, rebuking and exhort- 
ing, with all long-suffering and doctrine : and, liko him, we will obtain a 
crown of life ! 



20* 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



REV. MATTHEW HENDERSON, 

First Pastor of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, Washington 

county, Pa., and one of tho three ministers who united in the 

ceremony of inaugurating the Canunsburg Academy, 

in 1791, under the Sassafras bushes. 



[Abridged from the "Evangelical Repository. ."] 



The Rev. Matthew Henderson was one of the earliest mis- 
sionaries of the Associate Church of Scotland to the United 
States, and was the pioneer of that church in what was then 
regarded as the western wilderness, embracing the western 
part of Pennsylvania and the unknown region beyond. As 
no account of his life has hitherto been written, and the few 
survivors who have any recollection of him were but children 
at the time of his decease, and are now far down in the vale 
of years, it is difficult to obtain a sketch of his life and char- 
acter which will be either full or satisfactory. The following 
particulars have been gleaned partly from incidental notices 
of him in various publications, and partly from the recollec- 
tions of some aged survivors of his family. 

Mr. Henderson was born in Scotland, in the year 1735. 
His children suppose that his birth-place was Glasgow, and 
that his classical education was obtained at Edinburgh. He 
entered at a very early period of life upon the study of the- 
ology, under the Rev. Alexander Moncrieff, one of the four 
first Seceders; a man whose own theological course had been 
pursued under the celebrated John Mark, of Leyden, and 

(234) 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 235 

■who was himself eminent in his day for learning, piety, cour- 
age, and generosity. Mr. Moncrieff was called the lion among 
the fathers of the Secession; and his pupil, Mr. Henderson, 
appears in this respect to have imbibed the spirit of his pre- 
ceptor. He was licensed at the early age of twenty-one, a 
thing very uncommon in Scotland, where the course of train- 
ing both for mechanical and professional business is much 
more tedious, and, at least intended to be, much more thorough 
than with us. He was ordained two years afterwards, in the 
summer of 1758, by the Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline, 
and was immediately sent across the Atlantic to strengthen 
the hands of the brethren who were laboring in Pennsylva- 
nia. He was the third permanent missionary sent by the 
Associate Church to these then British colonies ; his prede- 
cessors being Messrs. Alexander Gellatly and James Proudfit. 
Mr. Andrew Arnot, of Midholm, was sent with Mr. Gellatly, 
but not obligated to remain except for one year, and accord- 
ingly, at the expiration of that time, returned to Scotland. 
Mr. Henderson's acceptance of this missionary appointment 
speaks highly in favor of his zeal and self-denial in the cause 
of Christ. At this time a missionary appointment to the 
wilds of America was regarded as nearly equivalent to a ban- 
ishment to Botany Bay. It was with the utmost difficulty 
that one or two out of a large number appointed could be 
prevailed on to accept of such a mission. The most rigorous 
measures were frequently employed, and even deposition from 
the ministry threatened, yet all in vain. There is, however, 
no account of any reluctance on the part of Mr. Henderson, 
or any resort to coercive measures. He appears to have been 
willing for the work assigned him, and to have possessed the 
adventurous, fearless, and hardy spirit which fitted him so 
peculiarly for a pioneer of the gospel in the wilderness. — 
[M'Kerrow's History of the Secession, pp. 259, 274.] 

Soon after his arrival in America, Mr. Henderson was set- 
tled at Oxford, Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he appears 



236 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

to have labored in the ministry for about twenty years. It is 
not improbable that he had the pastoral care of at least one 
other place ; as several of his sermons written at this time 
are marked as preached at " Pen," but what place is intended 
by this contraction it is difficult to ascertain. About tbree 
years after his arrival, the Rev. Alexander Grellatly, the father 
of the Secession in the United States, died, in the forty-sec- 
ond year of his age, having exercised his ministry eight years 
in Middle Octorara, Lancaster county, not far from Oxford.* 
By this event, which took place in 1761, Mr. Henderson is 
said by Dr. M'Kerrow to have been left with only two asso- 
ciates in the ministry — Mr. James Proudfit, of Pecpia, and 
Mr. Mason, father of the late Dr. John Mason, of New York. 
It is, however, probable, that about this time Mr. Annan had 
also arrived, and Mr. Smart, though the latter only remained 
for a short time in this country. These at this time consti- 
tuted the Presbytery of Pennsylvania, the only court of the 
Associate Church in the United States. 

Mr. Henderson appears to have continued in the pastoral 
charge of Oxford till the year 1781. During this time he 
was married to Miss Mary Paris, and became the father of 
several children. His name appears up till about this time 
in the minutes of the Presbytery, and of meetings held with 
a view to the union of the Associate and Reformed Presby- 



* The Rev. J. P. Miller, in his " Sketches and Sermons," has fallen into 
some mistakes respecting Mr. Grellatly. He says that his arrival in the 
United States was in 1754, whereas it was in 1753. He mentions correctly 
that he died in 1761; but adds — "A little less than five years after his arri- 
val," whereas, according to his own statements, it must have been seven. 
It was in reality eight. Mr. Miller is also mistaken in saying that Mr. 
Arnot's mission was for two years. It was only for one. He speaks of the 
mission of Messrs. Henderson and Mason as having been at the same time, 
and of Mr. Smart's as near tho same time. Mr. Henderson was sent in 1758 ; 
and three years afterwards, (1761,) Messrs. Johu Mason, Robert Annan, and 
John Smart. [See Skotches, &c, pp. 11-14; compare M'Kerrow's History, 
pp. 259, 274.] 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 237 

teries. In the measures adopted to effect this union, he took 
a decided part with Messrs. Marshall and Clarkson against 
what he considered the loose and ambiguous terms in which 
the union was at last consummated ; and it is not unlikely 
that had he been present when the union was effected, he 
would have joined with these brethren in refusing to accede 
to it. But he had in the mean time been removed to a great 
distance, where he had not full opportunity of knowing the 
true state of things, and he and his people for a time acceded 
to the union. This union took place in 1782 ; and in 1789, 
having become dissatisfied with the newly-organized church, 
he made application to his former brethren of the Associate 
Presbytery of Pennsylvania, acknowledging his sin in having 
withdrawn from their fellowship, and was restored. The pro- 
ceedings of the Presbytery on this occasion were published, 
together with a letter to Mr. Henderson, and another to the 
congregations of Chartiers, Mingo Creek, and Mill Creek. 
These proceedings evince a candid and ingenuous spirit on the 
part of Mr. Henderson, and a spirit of tenderness and faith- 
fulness on the part of his brethren. This pamphlet of eight 
pages was republished in 1836, with some prefatory remarks 
by the Rev. J. P. Miller, in the Religious Monitor, vol. xiii., 
pp. 209-13. 

Mr. Henderson was at this time pastor of the Associate 
congregations of Chartiers and Buffalo, Washington county, 
Pennsylvania. To these places he had removed, in compliance 
with a call in the year 1782. These places he had visited as 
early as 1779. In a manuscript volume of his sermons he 
marks some as preached at Chartiers and Buffalo, in April 
and May of that year. It appears, however, that on his way 
to the West with his family, the reports of disturbances 
caused by the Indians were so alarming that he left his family 
by the way at Canigocheague, and proceeded alone to his new 
charge. The family remained about a year at Canigocheague, 
and then followed him to Chartiers. Their situation, when 



238 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

left behind, was far from comfortable, as they had no better 
habitation than a rude cabin, or kind of shanty ; nor was 
their situation greatly improved when they reached their jour- 
ney's end. But the hardships of pioneer life are so well 
known that it is not necessary to reiterate the many descrip- 
tions given of them. Perhaps, however, in Western Penn- 
sylvania these hardships were greater than in most other 
places. This region is separated from the Atlantic coast by 
vast ranges of mountains intersecting the country for upwards 
of a hundred miles. Salt, iron, and all kinds of merchandise 
had to be transported over these rugged mountains upon pack 
horses all the way from Chambersburg to Pittsburgh. There 
was at this time no railroad, canal, turnpike, or even carriage 
road, making but a rough and often precipitous path for 
horses. The products of the land were abundant, but there 
could hardly be said to be any market for the surplus. 
Money was of course exceedingly scarce, luxuries were out 
of the question, and even some of the necessaries of life only 
to be obtained with the greatest difficulty. The settlement 
of Mr. Henderson in Chartiers took place in the year 1782, 
and for some years he was the only minister of the Associate 
Church west of the mountains. In consequence of this, he 
had not only the care of his own widely-scattered flock, but 
of several vacancies in his neighborhood. Among these were 
Mingo and Mill Creek, to which congregations, as we have 
seen, letters were addressed by the Presbytery at the time of 
his restoration to their fellowship. 

His life was evidently one of much labor, as well as hard- 
ship. He appears from some of his papers preserved by his 
children to have written his sermons regularly, though not 
altogether in full, and in a hand not easily legible. The 
inscription on his tombstone bears witness that he never for 
once disappointed his people on the Sabbath. He attended 
diligently to the duties of catechising and visiting from house 
to house. And as he abounded in labors, so an evident bless- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP REV. M. HENDERSON. 239 

ing attended his ministry. Mr. Daniel Houston, who took a 
very conspicuous part with Messrs. Marshall and Clarkson in 
opposition to the afore-mentioned union, received his first reli- 
gious impressions under the preaching of Mr. Henderson 
when assisting Mr. Smith at the dispensation of the Supper. 
No doubt the case was the same with many others. The 
Presbytery, in receiving him back to fellowship, bear honor- 
able testimony to the fruits of his ministry from the very 
commencement of his labors. They say : — " As your minis- 
try was not without acceptance and usefulness at the time of 
your entering into the public service of the gospel, we pray 
G-od that it may be made more so now when the evening of 
your day draws nigh." [Proceedings, &c, pp. 5, 6.] Mr. 
Marshall, in defending him from an attack made upon his 
character by the Rev. Robert Annan, in consequence of his 
having withdrawn from the communion of the Associate 
Reformed Synod, observes : — " It might have been expected 
that Mr. Henderson's gray hairs in the service of Christ, his 
usefulness in the ministry, and his weakly and infirm state of 
health, would have gained better treatment than Mr. Annan 
has given him." Mr. Marshall proceeds to quote from letters, 
Mr. Henderson's answer to the charges made against him, 
and closes with Mr. Henderson's expression of his confi- 
dence — " That after all Mr. Annan's bluster, he hopes his 
character stands as fair in the eyes of the Christian world as 
Mr. Annan's." Such, too, was the general reputation of Mr. 
Henderson, that Mr. Annan's abuse of him was reprobated 
by his own brethren, notwithstanding his having withdrawn 
from their communion. [Marshall's Vindication, pp. 89, 90,] 
The generation which enjoyed his ministrations has chiefly 
passsed away ; but the continued flourishing state of the con- 
gregations in which he finished his labors has no doubt been 
owing, in a great measure, to the character which his ministry 
had impressed upon them. 
Mr. Henderson's voice was remarkable for distinctness and 



240 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

power. In the summer season he usually preached in a tent 
at the foot of a hill now occupied as the grave-yard of the 
congregation of Chartiers. The place of the tent was near 
the grave of the late Jonathan Letherman, M. D. From the 
bottom to the top of the hill is about forty perches; and yet 
not only the sound of his voice, but his words, could all be 
heard distinctly at that distance. Neither in conversation 
nor in the pulpit, did he make any attempt to lay aside the 
broad vernacular of his country. His manner of addressing 
his people was also according to the custom of his country, 
plain and familiar. He called them all simply by their proper 
names, like a father addressing his children. His reproofs 
of vanity and ill-behavior, especially in the sanctuary, were 
sometimes exceedingly pointed and scathing, -but not ill-temp- 
ered. It has been related, that on one occasion, when a young 
lady had made her appearance at the church in a new calico 
dress, which in those days was regarded as the height of 
female extravagance, and when she had frequently risen from 
her seat, and gone to different parts of the assembly, Mr. 
Henderson having noticed her movements, and observed her 
rising from her seat a fourth time, said to her very calmly — 
" That is the fourth time, my lass, that you have left your 
seat. You can sit down now, we have a' seen your braw new 
gown." The young lady, of course, did not wait for a second 
invitation to do as she was directed. 

In appearance, Mr. Henderson was of a very swarthy com- 
plexion. He had very keen dark eyes, was of a large size, 
of an erect and majestic figure, and possessed uncommon mus- 
cular power. An anecdote has been related of him, and 
sometimes erroneously attributed to others, which illustrated 
his physical powers, and also the treatment to which even 
ministers of the gospel were exposed in those early times. 
On one occasion, when traveling over the mountains to meet 
with his brethren in Presbytery, he happened to lodge at a 
tavern where two men took the liberty of treating him with 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 241 

great rudeness. This he endured for some time with much 
patience. His patience, however, was mistaken for timidity, 
and only encouraged their impertinence, till at last nothing 
would do but he must fight. This, of course, he was disposed 
to decline ; but, whether he would or not, they were deter- 
mined upon an assault. Finding that he could not otherwise 
evade rough usage, he arose and deliberately stripping off his 
black coat, laid it aside, saying—" Lie there, the Rev. Mr. 
Henderson, and now Matthew defend yourself." So saying, 
he seized one of the ruffians, dashed him out through an open 
window, and was preparing to send the other by the same 
road to keep him company. But this one, seeing the kind of 
man they had to deal with, was in no hurry to put himself 
in the way of such rough usage. Mr. Henderson having thus 
taught them somewhat after the manner of Gideon's teaching 
the men of Succoth with the thorns and briars of the wilder- 
ness, passed the rest of the night in peace and quietness. 

Another anecdote of a different character has frequently, 
though not correctly, been related of him. It has been said 
that he was very fond of tea ; and, as it was seldom to be 
met with among the early settlers of the country, that he was 
accustomed to carry a paper of it with him in his travels. 
On one occasion, having brought it forth to be prepared by 
the lady of the house, when he sat down at the table, not 
seeing anything like his favorite beverage, he inquired what 
had been done with it. The lady directed his attention to a 
plate having the appearance of greens, nicely buttered and 
peppered. This was his dish of tea. " madam," said he, 
"what have you done with the broth?" "Why," said she, 
" I threw that away." The individual whose tea was cooked 
for him in this manner was not, however, Mr. Henderson, but 
the Rev. Mr. Howlitson, an intimate friend of his who was 
of feeble health, and died in his youth. No mention is made 
of such a person in the account of the missions of the Asso- 
21 



242 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

ciate Church in America. It is probable that he came to this 
country without any appointment ; and little more is known 
of him than that he lies beside Mr. Henderson, but with no 
stone to mark the place of his grave. 

Mr. Henderson was of a peculiarly affectionate disposition 
towards his family, and in all his intercourse with society. 
His numerous and scattered charge rendered it necessary for 
him to be often absent from home, and frequently for a week 
or more at a time. But he would surmount almost any diffi- 
culty rather than cause uneasiness to his family by an absence 
beyond the appointed time. He expected a like punctuality 
on their part ; and if the return of any absent member were 
delayed, would ride a journey of ten miles or more to ascer- 
tain whether any accident had happened. The day before 
his death he had been disappointed by the continued absence 
of Mrs. Henderson and two of his daughters, who had been 
detained while on a visit to some friends at a distance. His 
daughter Elizabeth, however, returned during the day. He 
appeared to be much gratified at meeting her ; and having 
walked out with her to the place where he was killed the 
next morning, he gave her repeated charges, in case of his 
death, to be kind to her mother. This, and some other occur- 
rences, seemed almost to indicate a presentiment that his end 
was at hand. 

At the age of sixty he had become somewhat infirm, but 
not to such a degree as to interfere with bis labors. His 
infirmities were no doubt occasioned by the hardships to which 
he had been exposed, and from which he took but little pains 
to protect bimself. An aged member of the church,* who 
heard him once in his youth preaching in a tent without any 
covering during a shower, recollects that when some one was 
so kind as to hold an umbrella over his head, he repectfully 

• Mr. James Thorn, of Pigeon Creek. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 243 

declined the proffered favor, and proceeded in the services 
regardless of the rain. But, though fearless of other evils, 
he had been much troubled with the fear of death, — not s© 
much with the fear of leaving the world, as of the pains of 
dying ; and it pleased a kind Providence, in taking him away, 
to exempt him from the evil which he so much feared. He 
was killed by the falling of a tree, upon the 2d of October, 
1795, at the age of sixty, and in the thirty-seventh year of 
his ministry, reckoning from the time of his ordination. 

The circumstances of his death, as related by the daughter 
who was with him at the time, are as follows : — On the even- 
ing of October 1st, he had expressed to his children a wish 
that they would fell a bee-tree which had been discovered on 
his farm, and preparations were accordingly made to proceed 
to it early in the morning. He had acquainted his daughter 
Elizabeth, then a child of ten years of age, with their pur- 
pose, and told her that if she could get up in the morning 
without awakening her younger sister Jane, she might go 
with him. Accordingly, the next morning he went quietly 
to her bed, and touched her gently to awake her without dis- 
turbing her sister. She was soon up ; and having dressed 
herself for the expedition, hurried into her father's room, 
supposing him also to be ready. She found him on his knees 
engaged in secret prayer, and immediately withdrew. Soon 
after this she observed him going down to the spring with a 
basin and towel to wash himself, as was his custom in the 
morning. Some time after he had returned she again ven- 
tured into his room, and again found him engaged in prayer. 
Soon afterwards he came out, and taking her by the hand he 
led her to the place where his sons Ebenezer and Robert had 
been for some time engaged in felling the tree. The tree 
stood upon a bank, and it was supposed would fall down the 
side of it. Mr. Henderson and his daughter approached 
towards it on the higher ground, where it was thought there 



244 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

was no danger. Here they stood for a little time, at some 
distance from the tree, awaiting its fall. It proved to be 
decayed in the centre, and fell much sooner than had been 
anticipated, and also in an opposite direction from what had 
been calculated. Mr. Henderson, notwithstanding repeated 
cautions given him, would always, when a tree began to fall, 
run from it in a direction opposite to that in which he 
supposed it to be falling. On this occasion, as usual, he ran, 
but in the same direction with the falling of the tree. His 
daughter followed his example, but varied somewhat in her 
course, and escaped any injury. Her father had run to such 
a distance that it was only the branches which reached him, 
and his body was but little mutilated. Only a slight flesh 
wound was discovered on his head ; yet he appeared to have 
died instantly, not having been observed to move or breathe 
by his Bons, who were immediately beside him. 

Mr. Henderson, and some of his brethren of other societies 
who first planted the gospel in the West, were anxious to pro- 
mote the cause of literature in connection with religion, and 
from the first turned their attention to the establishment of 
literary institutions. The venerable Dr. M'Millan, who pre- 
ceded him in his settlement a few years, appears to have led 
the way, but he found Mr. Henderson an earnest and efficient 
coadjutor. As early as the year 1780,* a "Latin school," as 
it was called, was taught in a small log cabin, erected by the 
Rev. Dr. M'Millan for his study. The teacher was Mr., after- 
wards the Hon. James Ross, of Pittsburgh. This log cabin, 
which may justly be considered the germ of Jefferson College, 
is still standing, and has been carefully preserved as a memo- 
rial of the past. Some years ago it was removed to a spot 
at a little distance from the original site, and its foundation 

* The writer has adopted this date from the prevailing popular, but, as we 
think, erroneous tradition. — J. S. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 245 

renovated, so that it is supposed it may yet last a century. 
The number of classical scholars having increased, it was 
judged necessary to fix upon a permanent place, and erect a 
more spacious and suitable building. Previous to this impor- 
tant measure there was a solemn meeting for consultation by 
the Rev. Dr. M'Millan, the Rev. Mr. Henderson, and other 
venerable fathers, who spent a great part of the day in prayer. 
Canonsburg, so called from Col. Canon, on whose ground the 
town had been built, was selected as the site ; and a tolerably 
comfortable stone building was soon erected, and ready to be 
occupied. The Canonsburg Academy was then organized, 
and respectable professors appointed in the various depart- 
ments of literature. The following account of the commence- 
ment of this institution is chiefly extracted from a letter 
written by one of the first pupils of the institution to the late 
Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D., LL. D., for many years Presi- 
dent of Jefferson College. 

In July, 1791, a meeting was called to see the Canonsburg 
Academy opened, the site of the institution having been 
agreed upon the day previous. At 10 o'clock, Tuesday morn- 
ing, many citizens were upon the ground to witness the open- 
ing of the first academy on the west side of the Allegheny 
mountains. Among them was the Rev. Matthew Henderson, 
of whom the writer gives the following account : — " Mr. 
Henderson was a Scotch Seceder clergyman, blessed with 
Scotch talents, Scotch education, Scotch theology, and Scotch 
piety. His memory is still highly cherished as a worthy con- 
temporary of Messrs. M'Millan and Smith. These three 
ministers, with Mr. Johnson, (the teacher,) and two pupils, 
William Puddle and Robert Patterson, (the writer of the 
letter,) took their position in the shade of some sassafras 
bushes growing in (the corner of) a worm fence near the 
English school-house, which could not be vacated for a short 
time. And here, under the pleasant shade of the green 
21* 



246 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

bushes, protected from the rays of a July sun, — the two pupils 
were about to commence their recitation, when Mr. M'Millan, 
addressing his two brethren, remarked in substance as follows : 

" This is an important day in our history, affecting deeply 
the interests of the church and country in the West, — affect- 
ing our own interests and welfare for time and eternity, — and 
the interests, it may be, of thousands and thousands yet 
unborn." Then turning to Mr. Henderson, he asked him 
to engage in prayer, seeking the blessing of" God on the insti- 
tution now to be opened. . " And," continues the writer, " I 
must say, the broad vernacular pronunciation of the Scotch 
tongue never could be more delightful or impressive than it 
was while every thing proper to the occasion appeared to be 
remembered in prayer by this good man." 

The Academy having commenced under these circumstances, 
was incorporated as a college in 1802, and is the oldest insti- 
tution of the kind west of the mountains. 

Mr. Henderson was blessed with a numerous family — in all, 
fourteen children. Of these, four died in their infancy. Five 
sons and five daughters lived to maturity. Matthew, his oldest 
son, was licensed during the time of his father's connection with 
the Associate Reformed Church, and remained in that society, 
of which he was a very respectable minister. He was for 
many years pastor of a congregation in the Forks of Yough, 
and died a few years ago at an advanced age. Ebenezer, his 
third son, was a minister of the Associate Church. He was 
settled for a short time at Pittsburgh, in connection with a 
small congregation in the country. From this place he was 
called to Philadelphia, and was about to be removed. Pre- 
vious, however, to his settlement, he died at a public house 
while on a journey. He had given promise of much eminence 
in the ministry ; and his death was much and long lamented 
by the congregation whose call ho had accepted, and by the 
whole church. Robert, the fourth son, still survives, and has 
for many years been an elder of very respectable standing in 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP REV. M. HENDERSON. 247 

his father's congregation. John, the second, and Joseph, the 
fifth son, have been dead for many years. One or more of 
the descendants of the former are at this time ministers of 
the Associate Church. Mary, the oldest daughter, became 
the wife of Mr. White, a member of her father's congrega- 
tion. She died a few years ago, at a great age, leaving a 
numerous family of children, and children's children, to the 
third and fourth generation. Ellen, the second daughter, 
was married to the late Samuel Murdock, M. D., and died 
young, leaving but one child, Ellen, the wife of Joseph Tem- 
pleton, M. D., of Washington, Pennsylvania. Ann, the third 
daughter, was married to the Rev. Thomas Allison, of Mount 
Hope, Washington county, Pennsylvania. She also died a 
few years ago, leaving several children. Elizabeth, the fourth 
daughter, was married to Alexander Murdock, Esq., of Wash- 
ington, Pennsylvania. Jane, the youngest, was married to 
Mr. Clark, of Buffalo, Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
These last two both survive. The most of Mr. Henderson's 
children had numerous families ; and these again have 
increased till it would be difficult, or perhaps impossible, to 
reckon up the number of his descendants. They are mostly, 
if not all, with the exception of Ebenezer's family, dispersed 
through the various regions of the West, though probably the 
larger part are in the region of their father's labors. In this 
case we see verified the promise that the generation of the 
just shall be blessed. Very few have left so many children, 
and children's children, who have so generally done worthily, 
and held such a respectable standing both in civil and reli- 
gious society. 

Mr. Henderson was among the first buried in the grave- 
yard of Chartiers over whose remains a stone was erected. It 
has now for sixty years been exposed to the corroding tooth 
of time ; and the inscription will soon, if not renewed, become 
illegible. The following is a copy of it. The poetry is not 
unexceptionable, yet is pretty well for those early times : — 



248 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

" In memory of the Rev. Matthew Henderson, who departed this life 
October 2, 1795, aged 60 years, and in the 37th of his ministry. 

" In heavenly toils, Henderson, grown gray, 
Thy earthly frame was hastening to decay. 
Thy growing languor threatened to detain 
Thee from thy loved employment, but in vain. 
For in thy course no Sabbath failed t' attest 
The love of souis which burned within thy breast ; 
Till by one transient stroke which gave release, 
Thy Saviour bade thee enter into peace. 
Great and (most) happy change from battered dust 
Unto the glorious mansions of the just ! 
Let us prepare to measure that bright road, 
The best of all our friends is there — our God." 

T. B, 

As the writer of the above article had not access to the 
minutes of the Associate Presbytery of Pennsylvania, we 
have, at his request, given them a cursory examination, as the 
result of which we present the following additional facts. 

The name of the congregation over which Mr. Henderson 
was placed, in connection with Oxford, was Pencader, or Pen 
Calder. It is spelled both ways in the minutes. It seems to 
have been a place of little importance. We know not where 
it was located. It no longer exists as a congregation. The 
congregation of Oxford, however, still lives and flourishes. 
It was from this place that the first petition for preaching was 
sent to the Synod in Scotland, and we believe it is the place 
where the first Associate Presbyterian congregation in Amer- 
ica was organized. It has for a long time been under the 
charge of Rev. Win. Easton, in connection with Octorara and 
Muddy Run ; but about two years ago he resigned that por- 
tion of his charge, and in February last it was placed under 
the care of Rev. J. H. Andrew, it present pastor. 

We find that Mr. Henderson was very punctual in his 
attendance on the meetings of Presbytery ; although in those 
days of magnificent distances and bad roads, this was no easy 
matter. Whoever was absent, the name of Mr. Henderson 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. M. HENDERSON. 249 

is at the commencement of the minutes of each meeting about 
as invariably as the date. 

The statement in regard to the ministers who composed the 
Presbytery in 1761, after the death of Mr. Gellatly, is correct. 
Mr. Annan was ordained by Mr. Henderson and Mr. Proud- 
foot, on the 8th of June, 1763. 

During all the time of Mr. Henderson's settlement in East- 
ern Pennsylvania, he, in common with his brethren, had to 
spend a great portion of his time away from home, traveling 
long, wearisome, and dangerous journeys, to supply the many 
places, in different parts of the country, which, at every meet- 
ing of Presbytery, were sending in urgent calls for divine 
ordinances. To give some idea of the state of things at that 
time, we give the following extract from a letter written by 
the Presbytery, in 1764, to the Synod in Scotland, asking for 
more missionaries : 

" We hereby, in the most earnest manner, supplicate this 
Reverend Synod for more assistance in the weighty work 
among our hands ; and if it be not sent us, the buddings of 
reformation work on this Continent of America will be in 
danger of being blasted, and the work mar altogether, and 
the constitutions of members of Presbytery worn out with 
the great fatigues they of necessity undergo, in watering, not 
only their own congregations, which are all divided into two, 
and some three parts, in this Province, but also are far dis- 
tanced from one another ; and this is not all ; for they must 
go much abroad, and preach, and dispense the sacraments, in 
vacant congregations. One minister, with a probationer, fre- 
quently dispenses the sacrament of the Supper in congrega- 
tions, sometimes two Sabbaths successively, in different places ; 
and sometimes a minister has done this without any assistance 
at all. This has been done twice this last summer by one 
member ; and two of our number have this year been in North 
Carolina, which is five hundred miles distant from this. So that 
our deplorable situation cannot miss to have a loud language in 



250 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

the ears of our dear brethren, for to influence them to send 
us more supply of probationers, and that speedily." 

At the meeting of Presbytery at Oxford, November 17th, 
1779, was read " a call for Mr. Henderson, and a petition 
containing reasons for the transportation, and craving his 
admission, from Chartiers and Buffalo." This call had been 
moderated at Chartiers, by Rev. John Murray, on the 18th 
of October. The members of session present at the modera- 
tion were James Scott, John White, Nicholas Little, and 
David Reed, of Chartiers, and John and James Brownlee, 
and Andrew Scott, of Buffalo. The result of the vote was 
for Mr. Henderson, thirty-four, and for Mr. Smith, then of 
Octorara, twenty-two. Seven of the latter signed the call. 
No action was taken in regard to it by the Presbytery, till 
their meeting at Muddy Creek, March 16th, 1780, when, in 
connection with this call and petition, was presented one from 
Oxford, containing answers to it, and praying for their minis- 
ter's continuance. The matter was considered for some time, 
both privately in committee of the whole, and afterwards pub- 
licly in the Presbytery in their judicative capacity, and 
" nothing of disaffection to Mr. Henderson, in Oxford Church, 
nor the want of a support appearing to the Presbytery, they 
agreed to take the matter in this point of light, whether Mr. 
Henderson's continuance at Oxford, or his transportation to 
Chartiers, appears most for the ends of general edification in 
the church of Christ ? Hereupon a long course of reasoning 
ensued on this subject." After prayer "for direction in this 
weighty business," the question was put, transport or not ? 
On this the Presbytery was equally divided j " whereupon 
the Moderator, (Mr.. Henderson himself,) with great tender- 
ness, and assigning various reasons, gave his casting vote in 
favor of the transportation," &c. At the same meeting we 
find it recorded that " the Presbytery consider the relation 
between Mr. Henderson and the people in Chartiers and Buf- 
falo, to commence from this day, and that his salary also now 
commence; and that these people should be at the expense 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP REV. M. HENDERSON. 251 

of removing him, his family, and effects thither ; and as they 
agreed to pay him one hundred pound hard money annually, 
or 400 bushels of wheat, the Presbytery agree he shall have 
it in his option to take either as it may best suit him," &c. 

Some difficulty, the nature of which cannot be clearly ascer- 
tained, seems to have existed between Mr. Henderson, his 
congregation, and the Presbytery, in regard to his transporta- 
tion. He seems to have been hurt at some things said on 
the floor of Presbytery in the course of the discussion in 
regard to his removal, in consequence of which he addressed 
a letter to the Presbytery (April 5th, 1781) which they char- 
acterize as " containing injurious reflections, &c. — with a vein 
of irony running through the whole," &c. He afterwards, 
(September 6th,) made acknowledgments for the offensive 
things contained in the letter, and the whole matter was satis- 
factorily adjusted. 

Before Mr. Henderson's departure for the West, which 
took place in the latter part of the year 1781, several peti- 
tions were received from Canigocheague, desiring the Presby- 
tery to send him there. And at the meeting, October 31st, 
1781, their petition being called up, the Presbytery, "after 
much reasoning on the subject, agree that Mr. Henderson be 
recommended to prosecute his call to Chartiers — that these 
people be addressed in a letter by Mr. Murray, to make suit- 
able provision for moving Mr. Henderson's family and effects 
thither in the spring, and remove every cause of just com- 
plaint of deficiency on their part — and that Mr. Henderson 
be appointed to supply some Sabbath at Canigocheague (pro- 
nounced Canigojig) before next meeting." From the circum- 
stance that he was absent from the next meeting, which took 
place April 10th, 1782, we conclude that he had, in the mean 
time, removed to the West, his departure having been thus 
delayed in consequence of the Indian war, which also ren- 
dered it necessary, as stated in the preceding sketch, that he 
should leave his family at Canigocheague, where they remained 
for a year. T. H. B. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



REV. JAMES RAMSEY, D. D. 

A Trustee of Jefferson College, and Professor of Hebrew. 



;Y REV. DR. THOMAS BEVERIDGE. 



[Abridged from the "Evangelical Repository."] 



The Rev. James Ramsey, D. D., was born March 23d, 
1771, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. His parents, 
Robert and Mary Ramsey, belonged, at the time of his birth, 
to the Reformed Presbyterian Church, or Covenanters, and 
sustained throughout their lives a good reputation for intelli- 
gence and piety. Mr. Robert Ramsey, after his removal to 
the West, was for many years an elder of respectable stand- 
ing in the Associate congregation of King's Creek, Beaver 
county, Pennsylvania, under the pastoral care of the venerable 
Dr. John Anderson. Both parents lived to an advanced age, 
and had the satisfaction of seeing their children, and many 
of their children's children settled around them, and gener- 
ally following their footsteps in the ways of righteousness. 
James, the subject of this notice, was the first born of fifteen 
children, the larger number of whom he survived. About 
two years after his birth, his parents removed from Lancaster 
county to what was then known as the western wilderness, 
and resided about two years at Williamsport, on the Monon- 
gahela river. At this time (1773) the settlements in this 

(252) 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 253 

region were few and scattered. The Indians were frequently 
troublesome, and rendered the protection of forts necessary. 
Mr. Ramsey pursued his labors in the vicinity of one of these 
forts. His custom was to take his gun with him into the corn 
field, and place it at the root of a tree or against a stump. 
He would then hoe around the place to the distance of fifteen 
or twenty yards. This done, another resting place for his 
gun was selected, and his labor around it performed in the 
same manner ; thus keeping himself always ready for defence 
against any sudden attack. It was amidst these scenes of 
danger, and those of the revolution which immediately fol- 
lowed, and amidst the hardships and privations of a pioneer's 
life, that James first formed his acquaintance with the world ; 
and these things no doubt contributed in giving to him that 
patience, that power of endurance, and that energy of char- 
acter, for which he was afterwards distinguished. 

At the end of two years, the family removed from Wil- 
liamsport to Pigeon Creek, then within the bounds of the 
congregation of the venerable Dr. M'Millan, so distinguished 
in the history of the Presbyterian Church of the West, as 
one of its first and most eminent pioneers. With this church 
the parents connected themselves. Their son James was also 
admitted as a member at a very early period of life ; and 
though afterwards connected with another branch of the Pres- 
byterian Church, he always entertained a very great regard 
for his former brethren, and especially for Dr. M'Millan, whom 
he considered as his spiritual father. 

When Mr Ramsey became a member of Dr. M'Millan's 
church, he must have been under twenty-one years of age, as 
this was his age when he removed to another part of the 
country. Yet young as he was, he exerted himself actively 
and faithfully in the cause of Christ, both in relation to the 
interests of truth and of practical godliness. Many of the 
young people were very careless as to spiritual things, and 
indulged freely in promiscuous dancing, and other practices 
22 



254 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

inconsistent with a religious profession. To promote a better 
spirit and put an end to these practices, he had the prudence 
and address to collect them into one or more societies for prayer 
and religious conference. In this way he exercised a happy 
influence upon the religious character of the congregation, 
and gave an early indication of that spirit which he manifested 
in his future life. During his connection with this congrega- 
tion, a controversy arose among the people, in relation to what 
have been called the Marrow doctrines, i. e. certain doctrines 
taught in a book called the Marrow of Modern Divinity j such 
as that there is a gift or grant of Christ in the Gospel to sin- 
ners of mankind as such ; that believers are delivered from 
the law as a covenant of works ', and that holiness is not a 
federal means or condition of life. Mr. Ramsey and others 
of the congregation warmly advocated these doctrines. Dr. 
M'Millan at first appeared also to favor, but at last rather 
opposed them. This laid the foundation for Mr. Ramsey's 
ultimate separation from that church, and accounts for the 
zeal which he ever afterwards showed for these precious truths. 
According to the recollections of his nearest friends, it would 
however appear that he had not formally withdrawn from the 
communion of the Presbyterian Church till after his removal 
to Mill Creek. 

At the age of twenty-one he made a joint purchase of a 
farm, two miles from the village of Frankfort, Beaver county, 
Pennsylvania, and removed to it with his brother William. 
This was within the bounds of the Presbyterian congregation 
of Mill Creek, and here, after some time, other circumstances 
occurred which issued in the change of his religious profes- 
sion. About this time there was in the Presbyterian churches 
of the West a very general substitution of hymns of human 
composition in the room of the Psalms, which had hitherto 
been employed in the worship of G-od. Mr. Ramsey endeav- 
ored for some time to reconcile himself to the use of these 
hymns, and, in his own language, had u tried to sing them." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 255 

But this either was from the first, or soon came to be against 
his convictions of duty, and his conscience would not let him 
alone. However different the views of Christians may be on 
the merits of this question, none who knew him will have 
any doubt as to his conscientiousness in the decision to which 
he came to give the preference to the Psalms over all human 
productions. Indeed, few things in his life manifested more 
clearly the power of his convictions of duty, than the change 
which he felt constrained to make in his profession. He was 
at this time a young man somewhat ardent in his tempera- 
ment, and much more likely to be seduced by the love of 
novelty than those advanced in years, who so often become 
the slaves of prejudice and habit. Being an excellent singer, 
and passionately fond of music, (which he occasionally taught,) 
he was the more liable to be captivated by the improvements 
in singing with which the introduction of the hymns was 
accompanied. But most of all, he was of a peculiarly affec- 
tionate disposition, and was in high esteem among the breth- 
ren with whom he was connected. Although a youth, and 
remarkable for modesty and diffidence, he had been taken into 
the society of ministers, elders, and such as were in the high- 
*est reputation for piety. He was treated by them as an equal, 
and enjoyed their confidence. He was accustomed to speak 
of the change of his religious profession under these circum- 
stances as one of the sorest trials of his life ; and has frankly 
owned to his intimate friends that when he left the Presbyte- 
rian Church he left his heart behind him. He always regarded 
that Society as very exemplary in their affectionate treatment 
of each other, and thought them, in this respect, commendable 
beyond many others, of whom equal, if not better things, 
might have been expected. As a proof of the high esteem 
in which Mr. Ramsey was held among his Presbyterian breth- 
ren may be mentioned the language employed by Dr. M'Millan 
to induce him to remain in their communion : " James/' said 



256 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

he, " you will be a minister some of these days ; yes, and you 
will be a bright star in the West." 

The account which he was accustomed to give of his sepa- 
ration from that branch of the Presbyterian Church with 
which he had been connected was substantially this. Various 
expedients had been employed to reconcile him and others to 
the introduction of the hymns ; such as employing them on 
more private occasions, and using them alternately with the 
Psalms in the public worship of the church. On the last 
sacramental occasion which he attended in that church the 
hymns were sung at tables occupied by those who preferred 
them, and the Psalms at one or more tables set for those who 
were opposed to the hymns. This, instead of satisfying, 
rather disgusted him, and he came to the resolution that he 
would use the hymns no more. During the occasion he lodged 
at the house of Mr. George M'Cullough, in company with a 
number of others, among whom were the Rev. Mr. Marquis 
and Mr. Jackson, an aged elder of the church. When the 
time for worship in the family arrived, Mr. Jackson was called 
upon to lead, and the Bible and hymn-book were laid down 
before him. Mr. Ramsey, who, as we have said, was extremely 
modest and diffident, was much perplexed. The elder was 
accustomed, when Mr. Ramsey was present, to call on him to 
lead in singing, and would no doubt do so now. But he had 
come to a fixed resolution that he would not use the hymns. 
Yet he was very unwilling to bring either himself or his scru- 
ples into notice before the company. He had watched with 
a keen eye and an anxious heart what was passing, and as 
soon as Mr. Jackson sat down at the table, he stepped up to 
him as quietly as possible, and whispered, that if he called on 
him to sing, he wished him to use the Psalms, as he did not 
feel at liberty to join in singing the hymns. However, the 
elder, much to the annoyance of the modest youth, spoke 
aloud of the difficulty, and observed that he believed there 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 257 

was no Bible with Psalms in the house. Mr. Ramsey imme- 
diately produced his own pocket Bible containing them, of 
which the elder made use. After worship, the Rev. Mr. Mar- 
quis observed that it was not a suitable time to enter into any 
controversy on the subject of the hymns. He would, how- 
ever, make one remark for Mr. Ramsey's consideration. 
" Very many," said he, " who have had scruples at the first 
about singing the hymns, after having used them for awhile 
have overcome their scruples, and become quite satisfied." 
Mr. Ramsey, however, could not feel at liberty to venture on 
such an experiment for obtaining relief. He soon afterwards 
united with the Associate congregations of Service and King's 
Creek, then and for many years afterwards under the pastoral 
care of Dr. Anderson, professor of theology in the Associate 
Church. His change of ecclesiastical connexion, as it origi- 
nated in no strife or ill temper, so it was attended with nothing 
of this kind. On the contrary, the most friendly feelings 
continued between him and his former associates. He was a 
man who could, both in his private life and public ministra- 
tions, be faithful to his convictions of duty without being ill 
tempered or censorious. 

At what period of his life his thoughts were turned towards 
the ministry is not known, but before his connection with the 
Associate Church, he had been preparing the way for obtain- 
ing an education with a view to that office. He had sold his 
interest in the farm on which he had lived with his brother, 
to his father, who afterwards removed to it, and resided on it 
till his death. He also engaged in teaching schools of differ- 
ent kinds ; and by these means obtained sufficient money to 
meet the expenses of his education, and had when licensed 
enough left to equip himself for traveling. It is thought 
probable that he commenced his classical studies under his 
minister, Dr. Anderson, about the twenty-fifth year of his 
age. He afterwards studied at the Jefferson Academy, since 
incorporated as Jefferson College. Soon after its incorpora- 
22* 



258 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

tion as a college, he received from this institution the second 
degree in the arts. This was in the year 1805 ; and some 
time about the year 1824, he received, probably from Dickin- 
son College, Carlisle, the honorary degree of doctor of divin- 
ity, a title which would be in higher repute if always as 
meritoriously conferred. After completing his classical stu- 
dies, he pursued the study of theology under Dr. John An- 
derson ; this must have been between the years 1800 and 
1803. He was peculiarly beloved by his professor, and the 
warmest attachment continued between them, until the decease 
of Dr. Anderson, April, 1830. 

Dr. Ramsey was licensed by the Presbytery of Chartiers 
at the same time with the late Rev. David Imbrie, December 
14th, 1803, at the house of Mr. Ralston, in Buifalo. As he 
was at this time within a few months of completing his thirty- 
third year, and his preparatory course of study had not 
been hurried, but as thorough as the circumstances of the 
country would well admit, he entered on his ministerial labors 
with more maturity of mind, with more enlarged Christian 
experience, and better preparation, than are common to those 
beginning this work, and his ministry from the first proved 
every where highly acceptable to the intelligent .and godly. 
He labored, during the months of December and January 
after his licensure, in the Presbytery of Chartiers, and then 
for the greater part of the remainder of the year 1804 in the 
Presbyteries of Cambridge and Philadelphia. At the close 
of this year he returned to Chartiers, and labored in the 
bounds of that Presbytery till his settlement. A unanimous 
and pressing call was given to him to take charge of the Asso- 
ciate congregation of Cambridge, New York, then left vacant 
by the removal of Dr. Banks ; and the people were exceed- 
ingly grieved at their failure to obtain him as their pastor. 
For years afterwards they were accustomed to lament their 
disappointment, and they continued to cherish his memory 
with peculiar fondness. Shortly before his return to the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 259 

West, a petition from the congregation and Presbytery of 
Philadelphia, was laid before the Presbytery of Chartiers, 
earnestly soliciting that he might be continued in Philadel- 
phia till the next meeting of the Synod, which request, how- 
ever, the Presbytery, owing to the urgent demand upon them 
for supplies, found themselves unable to gr-ant. At the meet- 
ing of this Presbytery, April 17th, 1805, four calls were 
presented to him, or rather three, and notice given of a fourth ; 
one from the united congregations of Mount Pleasant and 
Burgettstown, one from Beaver and Brush Run, one from 
Cambridge, New York, and one from Chartiers. The last of 
these was accepted, although the worldly advantages connected 
with some of the other calls were much greater. He was 
ordained and settled as pastor of the Associate congregation 
of Chartiers on the fourth of the following September. The 
Rev. Thomas Allison preached on the occasion from 2 Cor. 
viii : 23, — " Our brethren — the messengers of the churches, 
and the glory of Christ." He also, as was the custom of the 
times, gave the charge to the pastor, elders, and members of 
the congregation. Dr. Anderson preached in the evening 
from Ps. cii: 16, — "When the Lord shall build up Zion he 
will appear in his glory." 

When Dr. Ramsey commenced his pastoral labors in this 
congregation, not only the people but the Presbytery were in 
a very distracted state in consequence of dissensions which 
had arisen in Chartiers between the people and their former 
pastor, the Rev. John Smith, and also between the people of 
Buffalo and their pastor, the Rev. Robert Laing. These 
troubles had occasioned frequent and protracted meetings of 
the Presbytery, and some stormy debates. At the very time 
that Dr. Ramsey was licensed, the Presbytery continued four 
days in session, and such protracted meetings were not uncom- 
mon. These contentions had divided the people into parties, 
and the issue was the separation of some valuable members 
from both congregations. These and other things had also con- 



260 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

tributed to weaken, in those who remained, their attachment 
to their profession ; so that the commencement of the Doctor's 
labors was in the midst of difficulties. But his prudence and 
faithfulness soon surmounted them, and in a little time he 
was established in the affections and confidence of the people, 
to an extent altogether uncommon. The hearts of the minis- 
ter and people were so knit together that it seemed a thing 
impossible that they could ever be sundered. Soon after his 
settlement he was married to Miss Margaret Paxton, a lady 
in the neighborhood of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. They 
became the parents of two children, the Rev. James P. Ram- 
sey, pastor of the Associate congregation of Deer Creek, 
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and Maria, wife of the Rev. 
William M. M'Elwce, D. D., pastor of the Associate congre- 
gation of Frankfort, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. These, 
together with Mrs. Ramsey, still survive. 

After Dr. Ramsey's settlement he applied himself diligently 
to the duties of his pastoral office, not only preaching regu- 
larly upon the Sabbath, and occasionally on Other days of the 
week, but catechizing and visiting from house to house, which 
latter duties he attended to in the winter, in order to interfere 
as little as possible with the worldly business of his people. 
This, considering the size of the congregation, the inclemency 
of the season, and the almost impassable condition of the 
roads during much of the winter, rendered these duties exceed- 
ingly laborious. But he was not one of those who much 
regarded exposures of this kind. If it ever occurred at all, it 
must have been very rarely, that he was seen with an umbrella 
over his head to protect him either from heat or rain. Even 
when quite aged, he would rise long before day, and set out. 
upon a journey, in the coldest weather, and very often with- 
out even taking the precaution to button his overcoat. He 
was particularly faithful in visiting the sick, and had many 
calls of this kind to attend to among his own people and 
others. Until quite disqualified by age, he was very punctual 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 261 

in his attendance upon the meetings of his Presbytery, and 
of the Synod; and in these courts his zeal in the cause of 
truth, tempered as it was by kindness, his readiness in form- 
ing a correct opinion upon the merits of questions, the clear- 
ness with which he was able to express himself, and his 
peculiar talent for exposing wrong doings, rendered him a 
most useful member. For more than forty years after his 
ordination, he never failed attending the meetings of Synod, 
whether near or remote, except once or at most twice, when 
providentially hindered. The last meeting he attended was 
at Allegheny, in 1852, and his infirmities at that time obliged 
him to return home before the close of the session. His 
salary was small, the journeys frequently tedious and expen- 
sive, but such was his interest in the cause of Christ, that he 
could not feel satisfied to neglect the meetings of the courts 
of his house, when it was at all practicable to attend. 

In the sixteenth year of his ministry he was called to a 
post of increased responsibility. , In 1819, Dr. Anderson, 
owing to the infirmities of age, felt the necessity of resigning 
the professorship of theology, which he had held for about 
twenty-five years. His resignation being accepted, the Synod 
at their next meeting, at Huntingdon, 1820, agreed to estab- 
lish two seminaries, to be called the Eastern and Western. 
The Rev. John Banks, D. D., was unanimously elected pro- 
fessor of the Eastern Seminary, and the election of a professor 
of the Western was postponed till the next meeting at Pitts- 
burgh, when the western members would be more generally 
present. At this meeting, 1821, though another candidate 
was named beside him, Dr. Ramsey was elected by a large 
majority; and in the ensuing winter entered upon the duties 
of his new office, being at this time fifty years of age. This 
post, in connection with his pastoral duties in a large congre- 
gation, no part of which he remitted, rendered his subsequent 
life very laborious. To his other offices was added the pro- 
fessorship of Hebrew in Jefferson College, which however did 



262 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

not occupy much of his time and attention. The Doctor at 
this time resided on a farm about a mile from Canonsburg, 
and read lectures to his students at his own house, and in 
consequence of his situation he was obliged to receive all or 
most of the students into his house as boarders. They had 
thus not only the advantage of his public instructions, but of 
his excellent example and instructive conversation in private, 
which was by no means inconsiderable. It is well known 
that his remarks in private, made in his own peculiar way, 
were highly entertaining and useful. In some instances they 
have been known to produce on the minds of young men 
impressions causing a happy change in their whole course of 
life. It was by one of these remarks, serious in import, but 
made in something of a jesting manner, that the late Rev. 
D. C. was cured of a tendency to excessive liberalism in his 
religious views; and the cure proved to be thorough and per- 
manent. The conversation at the table among the young 
men, chiefly college students, had turned upon a late revival 
which had taken place at Baltimore. The Doctor, who had 
for some time been silent, at last inquired about the people 
who were the subjects of it. One of the young men, a Pres- 
byterian by profession, replied that he believed they were 
chiefly Methodists. " Oh !" said the Doctor, " I am glad to 
hear of a revival, and especially among the Methodists ; we 
know that some of their doctrines are erroneous, and no doubt, 
when a revival takes place among them, they will renounce 
their errors. I hope," added he, " they have all joined the 
Presbyterian Church." The young man, considerably con- 
fused, was obliged to admit that they had not. The Doctor 
pursued the conversation no further, but it at least led Mr. 
C. into a train of reflections which had an important influence 
upon his future course of life. The late Rev. Professor K. 
also attributed to Dr. Ramsey his first serious impressions. 
He had lived in the neglect of religion, and perhaps was some- 
what more than commonly careless about spiritual things, till, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 263 

while a student in the college, he became a boarder in the 
Doctor's family. Hjre the example, prayers, and conversa- 
tion of the Doctor convinced him that there were a truth, 
power, and excellence in religion which he had not before 
perceive 1 

As the number of the students increased, the boarding of 
so many became oppressive to Mrs. Ramsey, and the Doctor 
removed from his farm into Canonsburg. He also added to 
the house which he had purchased an apartment built at his 
own expense for the use of the students. Still a number of 
them continued to board with him, but his situation now freed 
him from the necessity of taking more than suited the con- 
venience of his family. After the death of Dr. Banks, in 
1826, the Synod agreed, in 1828, to unite the two theological 
seminaries ; in 1830 they fixed upon Canonsburg as the place, 
and the next year elected Dr. Ramsey professor in the united 
institution. At this time the Synod engaged in the erection 
of a suitable building for the seminary, which was completed 
about the year 1834. The site selected was a beautiful one, 
on a level tract of ground half a mile west of the village. 
The building was sufficiently large and substantial, but not 
well arranged, nor constructed with good taste. Soon after 
this the congregation found it necessary to erect a new church, 
instead of the old and delapidated stone building which had 
been occupied for about fifty years by the Doctor and his pre- 
decessors. This new church the Doctor and his congregation 
entered in the beginning of the year 1836. Some years before 
this the Synod agreed to establish a second professorship, 
which however was not actually filled till the winter of this 
year. As this professorship embraced branches of study not 
taught by the Doctor, it did not materially lessen his labors. 
he continued to attend to the duties of his professorship till 
the meeting of the Synod at Washington, 1841, when he 
gave notice of his intention to resign. This was in confor- 
mity with a resolution adopted by him long before. Having 



264 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE 

noticed that public men, when far advanced in years, and 
failed both in body and mind, would often cling with childish 
fondness to an office for which they had become totally unfit, 
he had formed and often expressed his resolution, that if he 
were spared in life, and retained in office till the age of sev- 
enty, he would then resign. He had made a kind of cove- 
nant with himself to pay no regard to his opinion on this 
subject at seventy, but to act according to his previous judg- 
ment and resolution. There was indeed no perceptible failure 
of his mind at this time, and but little for years afterwards. 
To the very close of his life, with occasional exceptions, caused 
by bodily debility, he retained in an uncommon degree his 
judgment, his memory, and the life and energy of his earlier 
years. Yet he considered it best to adhere to his resolution, 
and agreeably to the notice given at Washington, he presented 
the resignation of his office to the Synod at Xenia, 1842. 
His resignation was accepted, and the Synod testified by a 
resolution their " sense of the high obligations they were 
under to him for his long and faithful services as professor." 
He still continued in his pastoral relation, and was able for 
several years more to attend to all his ministerial duties. 
Instead of any failure, it seemed as if his zeal and power in 
preaching the gospel increased with his years. Some of the 
sermons preached towai'ds the last of his days were of uncom- 
mon excellence, and were delivered with great fervor of spirit. 
He felt himself, and made his hearers feel, that he was speak- 
ing as one upon the brink of the eternal world. In June, 
1849, owing to his increasing infirmities, he felt it necessary 
to urge the acceptance of the resignation of his pastoral charge, 
which had been previously offered, but the consideration of 
which had been delayed by the Presbytery in compliance with 
a petition from the congregation. They had requested the 
continuance of the pastoral relation, -and that arrangements 
might be made for the supply of his pulpit, so far as his 
declining health might render necessary. At the time referred 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 265 

to, he however urged the acceptance of his resignation, and 
was accordingly released from his charge. The congregation, 
in signifying their acquiescence, testified their high apprecia- 
tion of his long and faithful services among them. He had 
been their pastor for something more than forty-four years. 
He had never spared himself in his labors among them. He 
had been with them as a sympathizing friend, a wise counselor, 
and an able comforter in all their troubles. The reputa- 
tion of many of his people for intelligence and piety had long 
borne honorable testimony to the faithfulness of his instruc- 
tions. The larger portion of them had been brought up under 
his ministry from their youth. He had buried their fathers. 
He had in many cases baptized and married parents and their 
children after them. He had been as a father among them, 
feeling any injurious reflections cast upon "them, or any evil 
befalling them, as a parent would feel in like cases for a child. 
And, notwithstanding the occurrence of some things trying 
to his affections, he cherished to the last the liveliest interest 
in their welfare. It would be strange, and far from a favora- 
ble indication of the religious character of a people, if such 
i man should not be long held in the most honorable and 
grateful remembrance. 

Some time after resigning his professorship the Doctor 
returned to the farm which he had left for the sake of the 
3tudents, and continued to reside on it till about eighteen 
months before his death, when he and Mrs. Ramsey, becoming 
too frail to attend to their domestic affairs, removed to Frank- 
fort, and resided with their son-in-law, Dr. M'Elwee, near the 
scenes of the Doctor's youth, the abodes of many of his rela- 
tives, and the grave of his' father, beside whom, during the 
last years of his life, he had repeatedly expressed his desire 
to be interred. He still continued, though in his eighty- 
fourth year, to exercise his ministry occasionally in the pulpit 
of his son-in-law ; and though feeble in body, was still cheer- 
ful and even lively in conversation. Three weeks before hie 
23 



266 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

death, he was taken with eholera morbus when about to He 
down for the night. .He was able to be up in the morning 7 
but complained of headache, and appeared very dull and 
feeble. After a few days he recovered from this attack, but 
wasted away under an infirmity from which he bad suffered 
for many years. On the last Sabbath of February, which 
proved to be a very severe day, he attended church, and in 
common with many others took a cold, which rendered him 
exceedingly hoarse. On Thursday morning he arose somewhat 
better, and Mr. Duncan, a gentleman from Pittsburgh, being 
a visitor in the family, he joined in conversation, and was 
quite lively and cheerful. But between nine and ten o'clock 
of that forenoon, he was- seized with a chill followed by fever- 
which soon prostrated him both in body and mind, and ocea 
sioned some apprehensions of immediate death. On Saturday 
morning about the same time of day, he had another attack 
of the same kind, and became unable to speak intelligibly. 
He continued to sink rapidly till five o'clock Sabbath morn- 
ing, when the family were called together to witness his death. 
It was thought he would not live till the hour of public wor- 
ship, but about nine o'clock he revived, and appeared pretty 
clear in his mind, and more vigorous in body throughout the 
remainder of that day and the following night. On Monday 
morning be appeared more dull, and without any known cause, 
at nine or ten o'clock he became visibly worse, and, in despite 
of stimulants, continued to sink, till at five o'clock, Tuesday 
morning, March 6th, when he breathed his last. He lacked 
but a few days of having completed his eighty -fourth year. 
On the Sabbath morning immediately preceding his departure, 
he called for the reading of Isa. xlvi., in which that precious 
promise occurs, " And even to your old age I am He, and 
even to hoar hairs will I carry you," &c. The friend who 
has communicated these particulars of his last illness, has 
not related any thing of the exercise of Dr. Ramsey's mind 
in the immediate view of death j and it is very probable that 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 267 

■owing to the feeble and wandering state of his mind, he was 
unfitted for much conversation. Besides, had it been other- 
wise, it would not be inconsistent with the Doctor's general 
character to suppose that he said but little on this subject. 
His modesty appeared in his religion as well as in every thing 
else. For several years he had been calmly awaiting his dis- 
charge, and spoke of it frequently and freely, and with the 
utmost quietude and contentment of mind, even as he would 
have spoken of a journey homewards ; but he was so far from 
a spirit of boasting, that he even seemed to be altogether 
reserved in respect to his own religious experience. He had 
evidently made himself familiar with death, and was prepared 
to meet him, not as an enemy, but as a welcome messenger 
of Christ. His holy life was better evidence of preparation 
than any death-bed professions. 

On the Thursday after his decease, his mortal part was laid in 
the grave-yard of the Associate congregation of Frankfort. 
Notice of the time of his funeral had not reached his late 
congregation in season ; otherwise, no doubt, a large number 
of them, notwithstanding the distance, bad weather, and bad 
roads, would have attended. 

The reader may easily infer from the preceding sketch of 
Dr. Ramsey's life, that he was a man of more than common 
excellence, and may also perceive what many of his particu- 
lar excellencies were. Yet it is hoped that it will neither be 
without interest or profit, to exhibit some of the traits of his 
character more fully than could well be done in the mere 
detail of the events of his life. 

Some of these traits of character were strikingly exhibited 
in his countenance and general appearance. He was quite 
tall and slender, and not altogether graceful in his movements, 
but it is rarely that a countenance meets our view in which 
are indicated, with such distinctness, and in such agreeable 
harmony, quickness of discernment, mildness of temper, 
affectionateness of disposition, and contentment of mind. 



268 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON college. 

Few persons, even in their youth, have countenances so little 
marked with the lines of care, anxiety, and passion, as he 
had, even in extreme old age. Little children, of whom he 
was very fond, were attracted to him at once by the kindness 
and cheerfulness so apparent in the expression of his counte- 
nance, in his conversation and whole deportment. There 
were also blended with these indications, such seriousness and 
gravity, as ensured respect and gave force to his ministry. 

The Doctor had a natural amiableness of disposition which 
had been much improved by grace. In some the chief 
work of grace appears to be to contend with corruptions, and 
its power and excellence appear in the victory gained over 
them. In him there seemed less for grace to effect in this 
way than in ordinary cases. His mind did not appear so 
much like a field grown over with thorns and briars, to be 
rooted out before the good seed could be sown, as like a field 
ready to receive at once the good seed and bring forth fruit. 
A singular remark once made by an acquaintance may be quo- 
ted here, as indicating the opinion entertained of the Doctor's 
natural disposition. In a company where his character had 
become the subject of conversation, and much was said in 
praise of his many excellencies, to the surprise of every one, 
a young man remarked that he did not think the Doctor had 
any virtue at all. When asked to explain himself, he observed 
that virtue was generally considered as consisting in the strug- 
gles of a man's better part against his corruptions. " Now/' 
said he, " I don't believe that Dr. Ramsey has any corruptions 
to contend with." No doubt the Doctor had different 
thoughts of himself, and had grounds for them. But though 
depravity be inherent in all, it has different degrees of power, 
and in few did its natural power appear to be weaker than in 
him. 

In his intercourse with society he always showed himself, as 
to all the substantial qualities of that character, to be a true 
gentleman. He was not, as has been admitted, distinguished 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 269 

for gracefulness in his movements. In this respect he 
appeared, both in the pulpit and in the parlor, to have no 
thought of his personal appearance. His mind was too much 
engaged about other things. Yet few could be compared to 
him in their talents for entertaining and instructive conversa- 
tion. His mind was not only well stored with religious truth, 
but well informed on almost every subject of importance. 
He was not disposed to engross the conversation, or direct 
attention to himself, but in his own modest way, could express 
his mind freely and appropriately on all common topics. He 
was not rude, dogmatical, or overbearing, but remarkably 
affectionate, and ever ready to yield all due deference to 
others. While he abhorred duplicity and flattery, he was yet 
careful not causelessly to wound the feelings of any; but 
rather to say things which would be agreeable and useful. 
His friendships were warm, almost unbounded : and though 
he was capable of dislike, he knew how to treat even an 
enemy with decent courtesy. In a word, if the reader will 
turn to Rom. xii: 9-21, he will there find the truest and best 
rules of politeness ever penned; and few individuals ever 
lived up to these rules more faithfully than Dr. Ramsey. 
The consequence of this was, that he was always a most 
welcome guest in the houses of his acquaintances ; he was 
usually the centre of attraction in the social circles with 
which he mingled, and his society was courted equally by 
young and old, rich and poor. 

Perhaps no trait in his character was more prominent, more 
universally admitted and admired, than his strict unbending 
integrity. In this respect it would be hard to find his equal, 
and it is believed it would be impossible to find his superior. 
Such was his reputation for honesty and integrity, that not 
long before his death a gentleman of the highest standing in 
the county remarked, in reference to a question affecting his 
character for veracity, that if Dr. Ramsey were convicted of 
falsehood, he could never again believe himself. His honesty 
23* 



270 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

in his dealings was such that persons who could not compre- 
hend his conscientiousness were ready to accuse him of sim- 
plicity. Few could he as watchful to take the advantage of 
others in a bargain as he was to avoid it. He has been often 
known at auctions to bid up articles where there was no com- 
petition, through an unwillingness to obtain them under their 
true value. A gentleman who had sold or traded away a 
horse for the Doctor, came to him and boasted that he had 
gained for him an advantage of ten dollars, supposing that 
this would be highly gratifying. The Doctor never signified 
whether he was pleased or not, but upon the first opportunity 
quietly handed over ten dollars to the person supposed to be 
the loser in the bargain. Not long before his death, finding 
himself unable to ride on horseback, an exercise of which he 
had always been particularly fond, he proposed his horse for 
sale. The animal was somewhat aged, but still sound, vigor- 
ous, and in good condition — (the Doctor's horses were always 
well kept.) A friend to whom he had intrusted this business 
being asked by a gentleman the price of the horse, replied, 
forty dollars. The horse was without any hesitation purchased 
for this sum. Soon afterwards the gentleman met the Doctor 
in the street and mentioned the purchase he had made. 
"Ah," says the Doctor, "you can't have the horse at that 
price." The purchaser, not a little surprised at the refusal, 
reminded the Doctor that this was all that had been demanded. 
" True," said the Doctor, " but I- can't sell him for forty dol- 
lars ; you may, however, have him, if you choose, for twenty- 
five." It is hoped the reader will excuse these anecdotes, as 
they serve better to illustrate the Doctor's character than 
whole pages of abstract description. Many others of the 
same kind might be repeated, exhibiting the same sterling 
honesty for which he was, throughout all his life and in all 
his transactions, so eminently distinguished. 

In connection with this may be noticed his disregard of 
wealth ; his indifference in this respect, if not indulged even 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 27l 

to a fault in himself, was certainly in some cases the occasion 
of faults in others. It encouraged imposition. He was far 
from heing ignorant of worldly things. He knew even better 
than the most of men what was just and proper in worldly 
transactions; he knew as well as others when he was defrauded, 
but would rather submit to injustice than contend ; hence, 
unprincipled persons often took advantage of him in their 
dealings, presuming that it might be done with impunity. 
In a few, and but very few instances, his indignation against 
the meanness of individuals in their extortions, prompted a 
resistance to which the love of money could never have moved 
him. In the early part of his ministry, he had some difficul- 
ties to contend with in providing for his family, but the bles- 
sing annexed to liberality attended him, and for the remainder 
of his life, though not what would generally be regarded as 
a rich man, he had not only a competence, but an abundance. 
His salary was small, only a trifle over $300 per annum, a 
sum far from sufficient to support his family, but by the pru- 
dent management of Mrs. Ramsey, who proved in this as well 
as in other respects a help peculiarly meet for him ; by means 
of what he inherited through her, by the increase in the 
value of the property which he had acquired, and by other 
means, Providence so favored him, that he had enough, and 
to spare ; and he was ever ready to spare liberally of what 
the Lord had given him. When elected professor, he received 
an addition to his salary of $300 per annum from the Synod : 
a large portion of this, however, was expended in contribu- 
tions to aid the Synod in the erection of a suitable building 
for the seminary, and in other public benefactions. He 
always, through an excess of modesty, opposed any movement 
of his congregation to increase his salary, although their 
ability so far exceeded what they paid, that some of them 
frankly acknowledged that they had felt for years as if guilty 
of stealing preaching, what they gave being so nearly nothing 
at all. At the time of his resigning his professorship in the 



272 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

seminary and the salary connected with it, he even opposed a 
small increase of his salary from the congregation, though in 
this instance his opposition was not successful. We may add 
the following illustration of the Doctor's indifference about 
the world, and of his generosity of disposition. About the 
year 1821, articles of produce were reduced to an exceedingly 
low value ; wheat was only twenty -five cents a bushel, flour 
one dollar per barrel in Pittsburgh. To relieve the poor of 
his congregation, the Doctor announced, and to save the feel- 
ings of the poor announced without making any discrimina- 
tion, that he would receive, at the mill in Canonsburg, wheat 
at fifty cents per bushel, in payment of salary. The conse- 
quence was that his granary was soon filled and overflowing. 
Several times when the congregation had fallen behind in 
their payments, he forgave their arrearages. These, however, 
they in a very honorable spirit, liquidated by a donation of 
equal value a few years before the resignation of his charge. 

Dr. Ramsey was very celebrated for a peculiar kind of wit, 
which derived much of its power from his gravity, and was 
so far from detracting from his ministerial character and use- 
fulness, that it rather added to both. His wit was altogether 
remote from levity ; neither was he addicted to malicious and 
biting sarcasm ; but he abounded in a species of wit of the 
most innocent and inoffensive character. His remarks were 
often so unexpected, uttered with so much apparent serious- 
ness, and exhibited things in such a ridiculous light, that 
their power in provoking laughter was altogether irresistible. 
Something of his wit often appeared in the pulpit, but so 
restrained and connected with his seriousness, that it seldom 
if ever had any tendency to produce a smile, but often smote 
upon the conscience with great power. As an example of 
this may be mentioned a remark made in a sermon preached 
not many years before his decease. He had heard, as was 
thought, an unfavorable report respecting some young people 
whose parents were members of the church, and took occasion, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 273 

without any allusion to individuals, to describe in a very 
striking manner their course of conduct, and its consequences. 
He closed by observing that such young persons were in the 
broad way that leadeth to destruction ; " Yes," said he, 
" going to the pit as fast as their feet can carry them ; unless," 
he added, as if correcting himself, " they take Judas's road." 
He often introduced observations of this kind in a manner so 
unexpected and yet so appropriate, that the hearers were at 
the same time agreeably surprised and powerfully impressed. 
He seldom preached without saying something which either 
in itself, or in the peculiar and pointed way in which he 
uttered it, was calculated to take a firm hold of the conscience, 
and excite serious reflections. To borrow one of his own 
expressions, sometimes used respecting the performances of 
others, " His sermons had teeth." 

Something has been said already of the Doctor's conversa- 
tional powers, which were much beyond the common standard. 
His power of discrimination and independence of mind, ren- 
dered his views of many things singularly just and original ; 
and these he was accustomed to express in a brief and pointed 
way, often including in a single remark the substance of what 
others would have expanded into a long dissertation. For 
instance, the subject of conversation being ecclesiastical estab- 
lishments, he observed, that though he had read many very 
plausible arguments in their favor, one thing had always 
appeared to him against them, — they had never worked well. 
In remarking upon a book relating to the proprieties of cleri- 
cal manners, he observed that it was an excellent work, and 
calculated to be useful; "but," added he, "Thomas Boston 
would never have written it." He was of late years appre- 
hensive that judgments were impending over our country, and 
having heard that one of the most pious members of his con- 
gregation was at the point of death, he inquired respecting 
him, and being told that he was recovering, " I am glad of 
it," said he, " I hope Methusalah will not be taken away yet," 



274 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

referring to the opinion that the flood was not to come till 
Methusalah's death. A student proposing himself for the 
study of theology, whose mind was too much occupied about 
matters of dress, having inquired of him what dress he thought 
most suitable for a student, he very gravely recommended to 
him the long jacket of humility. Another youth of a very 
different spirit, having asked him whether he thought it con- 
sistent in Christians to indulge in laughter, he replied, that 
he thought it about equally criminal with sneezing. This 
was said in a way so droll, that if laughter were sinful, the 
remark proved a sad stumbling block to the company. A lady 
in one of our eastern cities having observed to the Doctor 
that she had -understood that our ministers in the West were 
not favorable to Sabbath Schools, he assured her that this was 
a great mistake. " "We," said he, " endeavor to have a Sab- 
bath School in every family of the congregation." Many 
remarks of this kind are still recollected by the Doctor's 
acquaintances, which, if they could be collected into a volume, 
would not compare unfavorably with other books of table talk 
which have found their way to the public. 

As a preacher the Doctor would not be ranked among the 
most popular by a certain class, though by some of the best 
judges he was considered as one of the greatest orators. He 
undoubtedly possessed many and great excellencies. His gen- 
eral acceptability when commencing his ministry is evident 
not only from the number of the calls which he received, but 
from the respectable character of the congregations giving 
them. Three of these at least were at this time among the 
most numerous, intelligent, and pious congregations of the 
Associate Church. As he advanced in years, his application 
to study, and the increase of his religious experience rendered 
his ministerial labors still more valuable. The first impres- 
sion with strangers was seldom favorable. He spoke slowly, 
though without any painful embarrassment. His style was 
plain, and his manner not altogether graceful. But after a 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 275 

little familiarity with his manner, the hearer not only became 
reconciled to it, but it seemed even to add to the effect of his 
preaching. It was obvious to every one that he had no 
thought of what he was doing with his hands or feet, or how 
he appeared in the eyes of the people — that his whole soul 
was engaged in his Master's work. Though slow, and not at 
all boisterous in speaking, he was always earnest, sometimes 
burning with zeal. The method of his sermons was clear and 
logical. His subjects remarkably appropriate to the occasion. 
His illustrations were scriptural, and often exceedingly perti- 
nent and striking. He generally comprehended much in a 
few words, so that those who looked more to the thoughts 
than the volubility of the speaker, had no cause for weariness. 
He would weary intelligent people less by a sermon of an 
hour and a half than many rapid speakers would in half an 
hour. Looking merely at the thoughts, he would say more 
in a few minutes than many would say in a whole day, or 
perhaps in all their lifetime. 

He had a just perception of things and a lively imagina- 
tion, and hence excelled particularly in description. He made 
a frequent and unusually happy use of the figure called Per- 
sonification. His example was once quoted by the Professor 
of Rhetoric in Jefferson College to illustrate this figure ; with 
the observation that a distinguished member of Congress, 
who happened to hear him in passing through the village, 
had spoken of him as one of the few pulpit orators he had 
ever heard. Some of his descriptions, though they could not 
now be given in his own words or accompanied with his man- 
ner, will be long remerrrbered by the hearers. Such, for 
instance, is his account of the descent of Moses from the 
mount, to which he on one occasion referred at the close of 
the dispensation of the Supper, expressing to the people his 
fear that, like Israel at that time, some of them would soon 
be found singing and dancing about the golden calf, applying 
his remarks to the sin of inordinately seeking after wealth. 



276 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

He has been known to give a most life-like picture of worship 
as observed in some families at a late hour in the evening, 
making the hearers to imagine that they could almost see 
some of the children in bed, and the rest of the family ready 
to drop asleep, the father taking his seat by the Bible, and 
after yawning over it, looks out a psalm, singing a few verses, 
then hurrying through a chapter, and going to his knees to 
repeat over the same old prayer — the wife snoring in one cor- 
ner and the children in another, and then as soon as the ser- 
vice was over all tumbling into bed without so much as a 
thought about what had been sung or read or prayed. On 
one occasion, when speaking of the approach of death, and 
warning people that it might be sudden, he observed that 
many lived in the confident anticipation that this approach 
would be gradual, so that there would be abundance of time 
to prepare ; that death would come to them like a traveler 
who would just make his appearance at the end of the lane, 
and whom they would see riding up at a slow pace towards 
the house. After awhile they would see him alighting and 
fastening his horse ; then making his way to the house, 
opening the gate, and coming through the yard ; then again 
they would hear him knocking at the door, and knocking 
again and again before he would enter. In this way they 
thought he would come rather than as a thief in the night. 

Among the last times that he preached at Chartiers, he 
introduced the services of the day with a few remarks on 
Ps. xviii j the hint leading "to which he mentioned as bor- 
rowed from Rutherford, but the manner of exhibiting the 
truth was evidently his own. He observed, in substance, 
that it was with the children of God, as it was in our families 
when a child was sick. Everything in our houses must be 
regulated with a reference to the sick child till it is recovered. 
Business must be suspended, quiet must be observed, servants 
sent here and there, physicians must be called, nurses employed, 
some must be running up stairs, some down. Nothing else 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. RAMSEY. 277 

is regarded compared with the safety and comfort of that 
child. Just so, said he, it is in the case of God's children 
when any of them is in trouble. The earth is made to trem- 
ble, the foundations of the hills are moved, the heavens are 
bowed, the Lord himself comes down, the clouds are gathered 
and again dispersed, the thunders roar, the channels of the 
waters are seen, the foundations of the world discovered — all 
the elements are put in commotion, and all the proceedings of 
God in his kingdom are managed with a reference to the case 
of that child, till he is delivered. When he described the 
management of the house where there was a sick child, one 
could hardly avoid imagining himself in the midst of the 
scene, so strongly did it appear impressed on the mind of the 
speaker, and so vividly was it portrayed. 

Another peculiarity in his preaching was the method which 
he often employed to gain and fix the attention of his hear- 
ers. He would, without any appearance of having studied 
this as an art, begin with some remarks, the particular object 
of which the hearers would not readily perceive. After he 
had excited their curiosity as to his design, fixed their atten- 
tion, and prepared the way, he would make the application to 
the purpose intended so unexpectedly and so appropriately, 
that they were taken by surprise, and convinced almost before 
they were aware of it. He seemed in this to have copied the 
spirit without following the form of some of our Saviour's 
parables. 

Upon a Sabbath which happened to be the first day of the 
year, the Doctor read for his text, John iii : 16, " For God so 
loved the world, that he gave his only -begotten Son," &c. ; 
and after looking around for awhile upon the congregation, 
as his habit was, he commenced by observing that this was 
New Year's day, and then enlarged upon the practice of mak- 
ing it a time for giving gifts. After keeping the minds of 
the people for some time in suspense, as to the connexion of 
such remarks with the- solemn work of the ministry, he added, 
24 



278 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

that the text revealed to us the greatest and best of all gifts 
God's gift of his only -begotten Son. 

The subjects on which he delighted to dwell were those 
which constitute the substance and life of the gospel : the love 
of God in giving his Son, the all-sufficiency of Christ in his 
righteousness and grace, the .gift of him to sinners as such in 
the gospel, the duty of appropriating faith, and the believer's 
deliverance from the law as a covenant. He seldom preached 
without introducing some of these topics; very often they were 
the main points discussed. The doctrine and duty of cove- 
nanting, both public and private, were also frequently brought 
into view. There was, however, nothing like a wearisome 
sameness in his sermons ; even -when he repeated them, as 
towards the close of his life he sometimes did, it was with 
many variations. The books which he delighted to read, and 
which gave character to his discourses, were those written by 
the Puritans of England, the Marrow men of Scotland, and 
others of a kindred spirit. Marshall on Sanctification was a 
particular favorite, and it was his regular custom to read this 
work once every year. Not that he confined himself to these 
writers and despised others of the present time. He often 
purchased and read with avidity modern productions, but gen- 
erally came to the conclusion that the old wine was better. 
Some of his people imbibed so much of his love of books, and 
books of a like character, that not many ministers are fur- 
nished with libraries of equal value with those which they 
have collected. 

All the Doctor's acquaintances agree in opinion that in no 
part of his ministerial duty did he excel more than in prayer. 
His manner in this duty, like that of his preaching, was slow 
and deliberate, almost hesitating ; yet few could be compared 
to him for appropriateness, propriety and fervency. His the- 
ological students often remarked how apposite his prayers 
were to the subjects under discussion. The afflicted and dying 
appeared generally to regard one of Dr. Ramsey's prayers as 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 279 

the greatest of all services which could be rendered to them 
in this world. He seemed not only to have a peculiar power 
to carry his fellow worshipers with him to a throne of grace, 
hut to bring away something for their profit and consolation. 
He was often sent for in cases of sickness, not only by the 
members of his congregation, but by strangers, and even by 
such as had previously professed but little regard for his 
ministry. There was no one whose conversation and prayers 
were more valued than his in cases of this kind. 

Though noted for his strict adherence to his religious pro- 
fession, he was far from being uncharitable towards those 
whose creeds differed from his. He loved the image of Christ 
wherever he could find any traces of it; he rejoiced in the 
prosperity of all parts of his kingdom, and spoke of the satis- 
faction which was sometimes manifested by the members of 
one denomination in hearing of some evil befalling another, 
as one of the surest indications of the want, or at least the 
weakness, of grace. In his private intercourse with his breth- 
ren of other churches, while faithful to his own profession, 
he was not forward to enter into controversy, or say offensive 
things; and in his public ministrations, when his subjects 
led him to speak of opinions and usages which he condemned, 
he did so in such a spirit that no reasonable person could be 
displeased. He was accustomed to inculcate upon students 
and young preachers a respectful treatment of such as differed 
from them, observing that there was little prospect of con- 
vincing men by causelessly wounding their feelings and insult- 
ing their judgments. As the consequence of this course of 
conduct, he secured the esteem and good will of all good men, 
and even the respect of bad men. No minister of the Asso- 
ciate Church had a better reputation either in it or out of it. 
Every one was ready to rise up in his defence, and to repel 
indignantly any attack made upon his character. 

As a professor of theology his department was didactic 
theology and Hebrew. In teaching theology his custom was 



280 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



the 



on alternate days to read a short lecture, and catechize 
students on the subject of it. The latter of these exercises 
was what he chiefly depended on for informing their minds. 
He had no ambition to make to himself a name by an affec- 
tation of originality, or the introduction of novelties. With 
powers of judgment and discrimination, with an imagination 
and ingenuity sufficient to have raised him to a high rank 
among those having the reputation of original thinkers, he 
was content to travel in the old and safe way in which others 
had gone before him. He was firmly attached to the system 
of truth derived from the Bible by the first Reformers and 
their immediate successors. He was thoroughly familiar with 
it, and very capable of teaching it in a clear and comprehen- 
sive manner. In the Hebrew he was in a great measure self- 
taught, never having proceeded much if anything beyond the 
first principles of the language till his election as professor. 
But considering his age at this time, and the multiplicity of 
his labors, it was rather remarkable that he made such pro- 
gress in this branch of business as he did. So far as known 
there were no complaints of his incompetency in teaching it. 
He excelled as a critic upon the performances of the students, 
having a quick discernment of any thing amiss in the doc- 
trines advanced, the plans of their sermons, their style, and 
general character as speakers. Still he had not an eye merely 
for their faults, but could see and commend what was worthy 
of praise. In pointing out faults he was not usually severe, 
but sometimes could not refrain from the indulgence of his 
wit, and raising a laugh at the expense of the young men. 
Yet in doing this there was evidently no intention to give 
offence, and generally none was taken. The standing of those 
ministers who prosecuted their studies under him is generally 
such as to reflect no discredit upon their teacher. 

There were many traits in the character of Dr. Ramsey 
which may easily be inferred from those mentioned ; such as 
his affectionateness in his family and towards his friends, his 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. RAMSEY. 281 

hospitality to friends and strangers, his prudence and his 
uncomplaining spirit. Although he felt keenly, he had a 
wonderful control over himself, and would seem almost indif- 
ferent to troubles, by which his spirit was overwhelmed, and 
his eyes held waking in the night season. If some affairs 
brought before the Presbytery of Chartiers, a few weeks before 
his death, in which he and his family were deeply interested, 
did not hasten his end, they at least caused that his gray hairs 
were brought down with sorrow to the grave. 

That which constituted his greatest excellence, and which 
is to him now, and will soon be found by us all in our own 
cases, to be the most important of attainments, was his sincere 
and ardent piety. No man was less disposed to make a parade 
of his religion; no man less needed to. do it. His piety 
shone forth so clearly in his whole life, that it could not be 
hid ; it was a piety not in word, but in deed and in truth. 
Like all members of the human family he had his infirmities, 
but they were neither numerous nor glaring. It has been 
said of some that even their faults lean to virtue's side. It 
might be said of Dr. Ramsey, that his chief faults consisted 
in the excess of his virtues. His modesty, his indifference 
to the world, his forbearance, and his friendships were some- 
times carried to an extreme. 

Such was his humble estimate of himself, that he never 
could be prevailed upon to become an author. It is not 
known that he ever penned any thing for publication beyond 
a short presbyterial report, or something of this kind ; and 
even in these cases, he was only driven to it by necessity. 
His method of preparing sermons was to write an outline, 
pretty full so far as related to the ideas to be advanced, but 
as to the language, containing only hints, intelligible to him- 
self, but not generally to others. It is not probable that he 
has left any thing in a state suitable for-publication. But as 
his manner of speaking was very distinct and deliberate, some 
of his students and others of his friends occasionally took 
24* 



282 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

notes of his sermons ; and it is possible that a volume, or at 
least some specimens of them, may yet be prepared for the 
press. 

Although Dr. Ramsey was spared to a great age, gave very 
clear evidence of his preparation to leave the world, and was 
not called away till the days of his active usefulness were 
ended, the church in which he ministered, and the church at 
large, have reason to lament the loss of his example and his 
prayers. Such men still fill the office of Moses, who stood 
in the breach and turned away the anger of the Lord ; and 
We may well mourn over their removal, and say, " Help, Lord, 
for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among 
the children of men." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



REV. ABRAHAM ANDERSON, D. D. 

Professor of Didactic Theology in the Associate Seminary, at Canonsburg, 
Washington county, Pa.; also Professor of Languages in Jeffer- 
son College, from September, 1818, to September, 1821 
and Professor Extra, of Hebrew in Jefferson 
College, from December, 1852, till 
his death, May, 1855. 



B Y RE V . W . M . M'ELWEE 



[Abridged from the "Evangelical Repository."] 



The parents of Dr. Anderson, (Abraham Anderson and 
Elizabeth Chesnutt,) were born in Ireland, but in what county 
is not known. They were united in marriage during the 
period of our Revolutionary struggle, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica shortly after the renewal of amicable relations between 
the United States and the mother country. Having arrived 
in the United States about 1784, they took up their abode in 
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and there they continued 
to reside till 1805 or 1806. All, or nearly all, of their chil- 
dren, (five sons and three daughters,) were born in that county : 
Abraham, their second son and third child, was born in New- 
ville, a small village of Cumberland county, on the 7th day 
of December, 1789. 

As is generally the case with emigrants from the old world, 
Mr. Anderson, when he .reached the United States, was in 
very limited circumstances, but by the 'blessing of the Lord 

(283) 



284 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

upon his honest labors, his worldly condition improved from 
year to year. On removing from Cumberland county, in 
1805 or 1806, to Washington county, in Western Pennsylva- 
nia, he was able to secure a small farm — that on which the 
Rev. Matthew Henderson spent his last days, — and on this 
tract, hallowed by the piety of his predecessor, he spent the 
remainder of his years, not in splendid affluence, but in plenty 
of all things. 

To secure the stated dispensation of word and ordinances 
in their purity, so that his own soul might be continually 
edified and his family trained up in the nurture and admoni- 
tion of the Lord, was Mr. Anderson's great object in remov- 
ing to the West. The place to which he was directed in 
Providence, and on which he settled, was very suitable to the 
end he had in view, being but two and a half miles from the 
church of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, of which 
the late James Ramsey, D. D., was pastor at the time, and 
continued to be the pastor for several years after the death of 
Mr. Anderson. His object, so highly laudable, was fully 
gained. He enjoyed the plain, earnest ministrations of Dr. 
Ramsey during the residue of his days, and appeared to grow 
in knowledge, faith, and heavenly-mindedness. After a few 
years' connection with the congregation, he was advanced to 
the eldership, and all his children, yielding to the instructions 
of the word, written and preached, and to the force of their 
father's example, lived in sobriety and godliness ; and as they 
reached maturity of life, professed the Christian faith, and 
sought communion with Christ and his people. 

It is the desire of many parents to accumulate wealth for 
the benefit of their children. They persuade themselves that 
if they had thousands at their command, they could and would 
secure for their children the best teachers, have the brightest 
examples set before them, and give them all their time for 
improving their minds and their manners. But an humble 
condition, with piety, has its advantages, and they are greater 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 285 

than mere affluence can afford. These greater advantages 
were the lot in Divine Providence of the children of Mr. 
Anderson, and particularly of Abraham, the subject of the 
present sketch. He was taught from childhood to fear and 
reverence the God of Israel, to esteem and relish his word, to 
say, "Thou, God, seest me," and to make the will of God 
the rule and reason of his conduct. He was taught to pray, 
and taught how to pray ; for though the elder Anderson was 
not one of the learned, yet he had a fine gift of prayer, and 
prayed in his own house morning and evening with a fullness 
and pathos not always attained, even by the public ministers 
of the gospel. He was taught to think and reason, to con- 
trive and plan, to fix on an end and to pursue it laboriously, 
not regarding the clamors of the flesh for rest and ease. A 
good religious training is the best fortune which a young man 
can inherit, and those young men are in the fairest way to 
possess this inheritance whose parents are poor as to worldly 
things, but rich in faith and in the knowledge of the divine 
word. 

It is no discredit to the son of Jesse, that he was taken from 
the sheep-fold, " from following the ewes, great with young, 
to feed bis people Israel ;" and it is no discredit to Dr. Ander- 
son, if he was taken from the plough, to feed the people of 
Christ with the bread of life. The cares and toils of the farm 
were in fact his occupation, from the time that he was capable 
of helping in such affairs, till he was nearly twenty-three 
years of age. To persons of an upright spirit and sober 
mind, no business is more agreeable. Some of the greatest 
intellects have acknowledged and manifested a fondness for 
agricultural pursuits. Cincinnatus was taken from his plough 
to command the armies of the Roman republic, and our own 
Washington, as is well known, preferred the cares of his farm 
to the anxieties of the camp and of the court. No doubt Mr. 
Anderson took pleasure in the labors of the field, and it may 
be that he never would have been heard of as a teacher and 



286 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON college. 

leader in the Church of Christ, had he not been called from his 
paternal home and rural labors to other scenes, and labors of 
a more trying nature. 

The second war with Great Britain, sometimes called 
the war for establishing our national independence, was 
declared by Congress on the 18th of June, 1812. Soldiers 
were needed to defend the eastern and northern boundaries of 
the Republic, and as a sufficient number could not be enlisted, 
the citizens were drafted to perform the duties of soldiers. 
Some were taken to the Atlantic coast to repel the enemy in 
that quarter, and others to the North and North-west to resist 
invasions from Canada, and to repress and chastise the atroci- 
ties of savage warfare, most of the Indian tribes having 
enlisted on the side of Britain. What portion of the yeo- 
manry of the country was called to arms in the course of 
the war, is unknown. But so many husbandmen and arti- 
zans became soldiers, that there was scarcely a family in any 
part of our extended country, that was not made heavy in 
spirit by the draft or enlistment of one or more of its 
members. 

In the autumn of 1812, a portion of the militia of Western 
Pennsylvania was called out by the War department, to 
defend the borders lying between Cleveland and Sandusky, 
against the British from Canada, and to repress and chastise 
the ferocity of the savage tribes in that region of Ohio. The 
joyfulness of many families was exchanged for heaviness and 
gloomy forebodings. The family of old Mr. Anderson was 
not exempted. Abraham, the beloved son and brother, was 
one of the draft, being at the time not quite twenty-three 
years of age. About the necessity and lawfulness of the 
war, the people of the United States were divided into two 
parties — equal to each other in numbers, or at least, very 
nearly equal. What were the private thoughts of young Mr. 
Anderson about these matters of public debate, the writer 
cannot state with absolute certainty. But he appears to have 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 287 

been with the democratic or war party, in judgment and in 
feeling. In compliance with the draft, he went out from 
his beloved home, and as a private went through all the hard- 
ships of a winter campaign in the North-west of Ohio, which 
it is presumed he would have found some means of avoiding, 
had he doubted of the lawfulness of the war, or had he not 
considered that the call of his country was also the call of 
Providence. Mr. Anderson, though at this time but a youth, 
had in some way acquired the habit of industry and forecast ; 
the habit of turning every little portion of time to some good 
account; and in the intervals of military duty, he wrote a 
brief journal of the campaign in which he bore a part. The 
journal is preserved entire, and though the writer of it had 
to substitute his knee or a billet of wood for a table, the 
writing is easily read, excepting a small portion of it written 
with bad ink, and effaced, in a good measure, by the lapse of 
so many years. It appears from the journal that the regiment 
of which Mr. Anderson constituted a part, assembled in Pitts- 
burgh, in the beginning of October, 1812, and from thence 
marched on the 19th of the month under the command of 
Major D. Nelson, to Beaver, Lisbon, Canton, Massillon, 
Wooster and Mansfield. At the latter place the band lay in 
jamp from the 10th of November till the 12th of December, 
and strange as it may seem to those now living in that peace- 
ful village, there were rumors of persons tomahawked and 
scalped in the neighborhood. Sentinels were placed with the 
utmost care, and scouting parties were sent out to discover, 
if possible, the lurking places of the foe. The rumors, how- 
ever, were but rumors, and this being ascertained, the detach- 
ment marched to the plains of Sandusky, to Delawaretown, 
to Norton, to Franklinton, and Upper Sandusky. The band 
reached the latter place on the 31st of December, and lay 
there in camp till the 24th of January, when, in compliance 
with an express, they marched for Miami. Having to wade 
through mud and water, in many places to the knees, they 



288 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

made but eight miles in the day, and camping at Tiomocto, 
lay there from the 25th to the 29th, waiting for the waters to 
freeze up. While waiting, bad news was received, in conse- 
quence of which they had to march on the 29th, without their 
tents, and with three days' provisions in their knapsacks. 
On the 1st of February, the band reached Portage river, and 
on the following day came to the Rapids, where, says the 
journal, "We found a man killed by the Indians. He had 
been sent in company with two others to the British, and was 
killed. The other two not being found were supposed to have 
been taken as prisoners." 

The band of soldiers being now in the midst of enemies 
distinguished by insidious cunning as well as by ferocious cour- 
age, cast up breast-works about the place of their encampment, 
and built a block house, to which was given the name of Fort 
Meigs. Spies were sent out to ascertain the position of the 
Indians, and on the 9th of February the spies returned and 
reported that they had found an encampment of about three 
hundred Indians, eighteen miles down the river, whereupon 
Major Nelson called for six hundred volunteers to go and 
attack them by night. The journal states that twelve hundred 
volunteered, and does not add that the writer was one of the 
twelve hundred. But such is the fact. It is distinctly recol- 
lected that Mr. Anderson stated in private conversation with 
friends, that he had volunteered to take part in the perils of 
that adventure ; and this fact is implied in the journal, for it 
is added after the statement quoted above, " We commenced 
our march at 8 o'clock, P. M., and at 2 o'clock in the morn- 
ing came to the Indian encampment, but they had all fled." 

To follow the journal in all its details would be wearisome 
to most of our readers. It is judged, however, that the fol- 
lowing extracts will be acceptable ; and they will serve to 
evince us that Mr. Anderson, in the course of his campaign, 
went through great trials and hardships, though he was not 
engaged in any battle. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 289 

" On Friday, the 26th of February, a party of us set out 
for Lower Sandusky on a secret expedition. Reached Lower 
Sandusky on the 28th. Rested there till the 1st day of 
March. On the 2d, Captain Logan assembled the whole 
party, which numbered about two hundred men, and informed 
us that the object of the expedition was to burn the Queen 
Charlotte, lying at Maiden, and requested all to retire to 
camp that did not choose to encounter the danger involved in 
the undertaking ; or that could not be cool and deliberate 
under the yells of savages and the roar of cannon. No one 
of the whole party confessed the weakness of his nerves and 
prayed to be excused. But as the ice on the lake was broken 
up, the expedition failed to effect the object intended, and 
after much exposure and fatigue the company returned to the 
Rapids. 

"On the 9th of March an alarm was given. Two or three 
of our men went down the river a few miles from the camp, 
who, on their return, reported that they were fired on by six 
Indians. No one of the little company was killed or wounded ; 
but one of them had a bullet lodged in a Bible in his pocket. 

" On the same day, a lieutenant in Major Nelson's battalion, 
of the name of Walker, went out of camp some distance, and 
on the 10th he was found, shot through, tomahawked, and 
scalped, and thrown into the river. 

" On the 19th of March, a scouting party went out and 
returned with the loss of one man, supposed to be taken 
prisoner. 

" On the 21st of March, another scouting party went out 
and found many signs of Indians. A large party went over 
the river to lie .in wait that night. About ten o'clock at 
night we had an alarm by the firing of two platoons on that 
side of the river where our scouting party was. The party 
on returning, reported that they saw two or three Indians, and 
fired. No one was killed. 

" On the 31st of March, our general collected us together 
25 



290 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE, 

for the purpose of getting volunteers to stay fifteen days ttr 
keep the fort. Two hundred men turned out to stay." 

The occasion of this call for volunteers was the fact that 
the. time of service for which the militia had been called out 
was about to expire, and as yet the troops to supply their 
place had not arrived. It was important to the country and 
to the magnanimous regulars occupying the fort, that a con- 
siderable portion of the militia should stay beyond their time- 
But all naturally desired to be out of danger, and to enjoy 
the convivialities and comforts of home ; and these desires 
prevailed with the greater part. On the 2d of April, between 
nine and ten hundred Pennsylvanians and Virginians took 
their departure. Only two hundred subjected the yearnings 
of their hearts to a sense of duty, and stayed to defend the 
fort and the lives of their brethren. Of this magnanimous 
little band, Mr, Anderson was one, and by his course on that 
occasion, he showed that high regard for duty which he often 
manifested in future life. He was very affectionate and ten- 
der-hearted, and no doubt desired to be at home as earnestly 
as those who returned home as soon as the strong hand of the 
law allowed them to do so. But asking his own conscience 
what is duty in the case? and receiving the answer, stay, he 
hesitated no longer — stay he would, and die. 

The defence of the fort being greatly weakened, the enemy 
became more insolent, and the condition of the men holding 
the fort more perilous. On the 4th of April, two Indians 
killed and scalped a man within a hundred yards of the camp. 
They were pursued, but escaped. On the 8th, forty Indians 
attacked a fatigue party, while loading a wagon with wood. 
One of the party was killed, two taken prisoners ; the rest 
were chased but escaped. Two bands went in pursuit of the 
Indians, one of which overtook and killed nine of them. Seven 
of the pursuing party were wounded, and two of them mortally. 

The following paragraph is interesting, and bears witness 
to the humanity of the Commander-in-chief : 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 291 

u On the 16th of April, a man having been condemned to 
be shot for desertion, an offence which he had repeated five 
times : the ring was formed in a hollow square ; the criminal 
was brought forward bj a guard, the band playing the ' Dead 
March ;' he was set by on a bench, and a black handkerchief 
tied around his head. The charges against him were read 
with the sentence of the court. The handkerchief was then 
drawn over his face j the officer commanding the executioners 
ordered them to make ready. They did so, and at that instant 
General Harrison gave him his reprieve, and ordered him to 
the Provost Guard." 

" On the 13th of April," the journal goes on to say, " We 
left Fort Meigs for home. Our number was ten, three of 
whom were not able to carry arms. It was twenty miles to 
Portage Block House. Five of our company gave out within 
two miles of Portage, where we lay during the night, with- 
out fire, after wading through mud and water to the knees as 
much as half the way. About ten o'clock, while I was on 
guard, a gun was fired three or four hundred yards off, which 
I suppose was done by an Indian, as no white men were near. 
There was also repeated yells of wolves, or rather of Indians 
affecting to be wolves. No other disturbance was observed 
till near break of day, when we were surprised by a savage 
yell, perhaps three hundred yards off. We were all awake 
and stood to arms waiting for an attack, till clear day. We 
then marched in order to Portage, expecting to be attacked 
by the way, but by the interposition of Providence, we 
escaped our enemies' hands. We took refreshment at Portage, 
and then continued our March through the Black Swamp, 
which was about three miles in breadth, and often three or 
four feet deep ; and, indeed, our future march, at least as far 
as Sandusky, was through a continued swamp " 

The words of the last sentence are the close of the journal. 
It was not intended for public inspection, and was left incom- 
plete. But though it was written for mere private use, with- 



292 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

out the ordinary conveniences for writing, and though it was 
written in a very trying and exciting time, when Mr. Ander- 
son was but a youth, and had no education but such as he 
picked up in the common schools of the country, we confi- 
dently appeal to the performance as proof of a sound, vigor- 
ous mind, and a firm, manly spirit. As a dead fly causeth the 
ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor, 
so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom. 
But there are no signs of weakness in the journal — no whin- 
ing about losses and hardships, no boasting of a heart proof 
against the sharp arrows of fear ; nor of exploits done, or of 
exploits attempted, at the thought of which others blanched 
and drew back. There are no silly conceits, nor anything at 
all to make the writer blush, were he still living, and the 
whole spread before the world as the earliest production of 
his pen. We notice, however, a want which we did not 
expect to find, — the want of a religious sentiment and feeling. 
Mr. Anderson had professed the Christian religion some years 
before he was called to be a soldier, and had partaken of the 
Lord's Supper a number of times. Yet in his journal the 
Bible is mentioned but once, and in that instance it is men- 
tioned incidentally. The interposition of Providence in 
behalf of himself and his companions, is mentioned but once. 
The Sabbath is not mentioned at all. There is no notice of 
any opportunity of attending public worship, and there are 
no lamentations about the want of such opportunities. How 
are we to account for these omissions ? When Mr. Anderson 
repaired to the camp, did he leave his religion behind him ? 
This supposition the testimony of his fellow soldiers forbids us 
to entertain. They report that he carried his Bible with him, 
and often employed his leisure moments in the perusal of 
it, — that he made an observable difference between the Lord's 
day and other days, — that when it fell to his lot to stand 
sentinel during the Sabbath evening, or to do any public duty 
on the Lord's day, he always avoided it, if it were in his 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 293 

power so to do, — that profane language was never heard from 
his lips, — that he was virtuous and honorable, and highly 
esteemed both by the officers and men. 

It would not, therefore, be warrantable to infer from the 
want of pious expressions in the journal, that Mr. Anderson 
was at that time destitute of Christian faith and sentiment. 
It might, indeed, be inferred as well, that he was without 
natural feeling, for though he was at times in great peril, the 
journal says nothing of the anguish of fear; and though he 
was often in circumstances which all men everywhere regard 
is distressing, yet nothing is complained of in any part of 
the journal. Nothing is said of the pride and tyranny of 
officers, — nothing of the hard fare of the common soldier, — 
nothing of the painfulness of an alarm in the night; and even 
when he wades through water and mire all the day, and beds 
in the swamp at night, without fire, there is no expression to 
indicate that Mr. Anderson felt the discomforts of his situa- 
tion. But surely he was not without natural feeling, and it 
is equally certain that he hoped and trusted in the living Grod, 
and was thankful to Him for His care and protection. But 
if he felt indeed, why did he not give utterance to his feel- 
ings ? The proper solution of the difficulty appears to be 
simply this : having no accommodation for writing, and very 
little time for such business, he proposed not to write a com- 
plete history of his physical and spiritual experience during 
the campaign, but merely to write a memorandum of places, 
dates and incidents, for the help of his memory in thinking 
and speaking in after years of that trying season. How well 
his labor answered the design of it, is very evident from the 
extracts that have been exhibited. 

Viewing, with the help of Mr. Anderson's journal, the 
trials and hardships of the North-western campaign, in the 
winter of 1812-13, the considerate reader can hardly fail to 
reflect on the horrors of war. How unpleasant and painful 
is the whole business, and how great the havoc that attends 
25* 



294 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

it ! The campaign over which we have glanced, was not sig- 
nalized by any bloody engagement, but a number of persons 
were killed. All, at times, were disquieted with fear, though 
the journal does not tell us so, and all suffered greatly through 
exposure to piercing winds, and to water from above, and 
water on the surface of the earth. Though that was an age 
of greater vigor and hardihood than the present, yet many, 
by the severity of their trials, were brought down to the dust 
of death before the close of the campaign ; and many others 
had the seeds of disease and death implanted in their systems. 
It is thought by a fellow-soldier that Mr. Anderson was never 
the same in respect of buoyant health that he had been before 
the campaign. If those who make wars had to fight them 
through to the bitter end, so many wars would not be pro- 
claimed. 

After leaving Portage, as stated in the journal, and touch- 
ing at Sandusky, it is not known through what towns and 
villages Mr. Anderson passed. But he reached his paternal 
home in health and safety about the 1st of May, 1813. He 
was joyful and thankful, and no doubt his parents, now well 
on in years, rejoiced over him, and called their other children 
and their friends to rejoice with them, saying as the father 
in the parable, " This, our son was dead, and he is alive again ; 
he was lost, and is found." 

Though Mr. Anderson returned to his father's habitation, 
he did not return to his former employment. He had been 
seized with a desire to pursue studies in preparation for the 
gospel ministry, and had signified his desire to his parents, two 
or perhaps three years before he was called out to assist in 
defending the country. At that time his father opposed the 
project, alleging that his labors on the farm were very need- 
ful ; and that the family could not dispense with his assis ■ 
tance, and at the same time bear the additonal burden that 
would be imposed by his college fees, and other incidental ex- 
penses. Mr. Anderson felt and acknowledged the force of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 295 

objection : he abandoned the project for the time, and it may 
be that he would never have taken it up again, had not the 
privilege which he had sought been freely accorded to him. 
This was done in a very engaging manner. When Mr. Anderson 
had told the family of the privations, perils and hardships 
of the campaign more particularly and fully than had been 
done in letters sent from the camp, his father reminded him 
of his former desire to enter on a course of study in prepara- 
tion for the ministry, and how he himself had opposed the 
project at that time. " But now," added the good old man, 
" I icill object no more, for the Lord hath showed me, that if I 
will not spare your labors in the field for that purpose, he 
can, and perhaps will, deprive me of them in some other 
way." 

Mr. Anderson's desire to engage in the work of the ministry 
was not extinguished by what he had seen and suffered in the 
camp. As he went out on that perilous tour, he had perhaps 
vowed a vow to this effect, that if Grod would be with him, 
and bring him again to his father's house in peace, then the 
Lord should be his God, and he would serve him in the 
gospel of his Son, if permitted to do so. Perhaps he had 
seen during the campaign, more clearly than before, that 
atheism, profaneness, irreligion, and all manner of wicked- 
ness, were pouring into the land like a flood, and that the 
Lord of Hosts, like the general at Fort Meigs, was calling for 
volunteers to go forth and stem the tide. But, however 
these things may have been, he accepted promptly and 
cordially of the privilege accorded to him by his beloved 
parent; and after a few days of relaxation and social enjoy- 
ment, he entered himself as a student of Jefferson College. 

As the family were still in limited circumstances, he 
boarded with his parents, three and a half miles from Canons- 
burg, the site of the college, and then walked seven miles 
each day. The thought of having to travel so great a 
distance, would appall a young man of the present generation. 



296 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

But, being accustomed to marches of fifteen, twenty, and 
thirty miles, Mr. A. made no account of the labor, and was 
not retarded by it. He committed to memory while walking 
to and from college ; or if the weather was unsuitable for 
carrying an open book before his eyes, he reviewed in thought 
the subject of study, and made himself more familiar with it. 
It may be that his progress in learning was furthered by his 
long walks, and doubtless the considerable exercise made 
necessary by the place in which he boarded, was the means 
of maintaining his bodily health and vigor, notwithstanding 
his close application to study. But whether his boarding so 
far from the college was an advantage or disadvantage, his 
progress was rapid. He graduated in September, 1817, a 
little more than four years from the time of his entrance ; 
and on the same day he was elected professor of languages in 
Jefferson College, a clear proof that the Faculty and Trustees 
of that Institution conferred upon him the first degree, pro 
merito, and not pro gratia — in consideration of his merits, 
and not in the way of favor. Mr. Anderson accepted the pro- 
fessorship, and discharged the duties of the office for four years. 
During this period he also studied Theology, being admitted 
to the study by the Associate Presbytery of Chartiers, shortly 
after his election to the professorship. The Theological 
Seminary of the Associate church was at that time under the 
care of the venerable John Anderson, D. D., and was located 
in Service congregation, Beaver County. The prescribed 
course of study occupied four sessions of five months each, 
the sessions commencing the 1st Monday of November, and 
closing on the 4th Wednesday of March. Mr. Anderson's full - 
attendance at the Seminary was dispensed with, in considera- 
tion of the honorable and useful business in which he was 
engaged, and his ripeness in knowledge. He was at the 
Seminary two or three months only ; but when not there, he 
prosecuted his Theological studies with diligence. It is 
natural to presume that his labors in the college hindered his 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 297 

advancement in Theology, and that his attention to Theology 
hindered his acceptance and usefulness in the college. But 
his trials were always heartily approved by the Presbytery : 
and in the college he was highly esteemed by his fellow 
professors and by the young men in attendance. Busy he 
must have been, and yet he found time to read a course -of 
medicine with Dr. Jonathan Leatherman, of Canonsburg, by 
which he attained to considerable skill in medical practice, 
and qualified himself to be useful to his fellow men in sick- 
ness; as he was, in fact, wherever he went, giving counsel 
and medicine to good purpose and without charge. It is 
astonishing that a man should go through so many labors 
and accomplish so much in so short a time. But in this 
case our astonishment may be somewhat diminished by calling 
to mind that Mr. A. had been a student of Theology, under 
his minister and parents, for more than twenty years, before 
he was formally admitted to the study, by the Associate 
Presbytery. After the usual trials before the Presbytery, he 
was licensed to preach the everlasting gospel, in July or 
August of 1821 ; and as that was the work to which he had 
dedicated himself, he resigned his professorship at the close 
of the college session in September. He was fond of retire- 
ment and study; the incomes of the professorship were 
greater than he could expect from the ministry — in the view 
of many it was more honorable to be a learned professor in 
a rising college, than to be the humble pastor of a country 
congregation : but judging that he was called to preach 
Christ, Mr. Anderson conferred not with flesh and blood. He 
laid aside his professorship and gave himself to the work of the 
ministry. After preaching in the vacant congregations of 
Chartiers, Allegheny, and Ohio Presbyteries, he passed, in 
pursuance of Synodical appointment, into the Presbytery 
of the Carolinas, in the spring of 1822. He. preached in all 
the vacancies of the latter Presbytery, and in all with 
acceptance to all the people. In July, 1822, he was unani- 



298 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

niously called by the united congregations of Bethany and 
Steel Creek, in Mecklenburgh county, North Carolina, to be 
their paster. The call occasioned great thoughts of heart. 
Mr. Anderson had not anticipated a settlement in the Carolina 
Presbytery. He was not inclined, but on the contrary, 
averse, to a settlement in a slave State. But the people 
were very needy, having been without pastoral care from the 
time of the death of Rev. James Pringle, in 1817 ; and they 
were very earnest and urgent in their application to him, 
individually. After carefully and prayerfully considering 
what duty demanded in the case, he accepted their call. His 
ordination trials were delivered in Pisgah meeting-house, 
Lincoln county, North Carolina, about the 10th of Septem- 
ber, and being approved, he was ordained and installed at 
Steel Creek meeting-house, on Thursday, the 3d of Octo- 
ber, 1822. 

The writer of this sketch was in attendance on the Pres- 
bytery at Pisgah, while Mr. Anderson submitted his trials for 
ordination, and there began an acquaintance, which was 
afterwards cultivated on long journeys, to and from different 
meetings of the Associate Synod — in frequent meetings of 
the Carolina Presbytery — in frequent meetings to dispense 
the Lord's Supper — in several meetings as Delegates to the 
Convention of Reformed churches — in many meetings of the 
Theological Board, and in numberless meetings in our respec- 
tive habitations, both in the South and in the North. The 
acquaintance for which Providence afforded such ample op- 
portunity, soon ripened into the most intimate and cordial 
friendship — a friendship that was never interrupted while 
Mr. Anderson lived; and will not be interrupted, it is con- 
fidently hoped, through the numberless ages that are yet to 
come. At the commencement of this acquaintance and friend- 
ship, Mr. Anderson was in the meridian of life, being about 
thirty-three years of age. It seems proper therefore in this 
place, to give some account of his personal appearance. He 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 299 

was a tall man, six feet and two inches in height, with a well 
extended frame and heavy muscular limbs. Whether standing 
or walking, he bore himself altogether erect, having acquired 
the habit of doing so ; it ia believed, in his military trainings. 
The hair of his head was quite black, and yet his complexion 
was uncommonly florid. His forehead was white, smooth and 
lofty ; his cheeks not round, but long, and rather lank ; his 
eyes were bright and penetrating. When much interested in 
what he was saying himself, or hearing from the lips of 
another, his eyes seemed to flash and twinkle, like bright 
stars in a clear night. His general appearance told at once 
and distinctly, that he was a man of intelligence, honesty and 
courage. Perhaps the camp had made an abiding impression 
on his person. But however this may be, there was the 
appearance of stern, solemn dignity, and a stranger meeting 
him on the highway, might reasonably have conjectured that 
he was the general of an army on a private jaunt. 

He was regarded from the first not merely by the people 
that called him to be their pastor, but by the ministers and 
people of the Presbytery in general, as a great acquisition. 
Such a man is indeed an acquisition in any Presbytery, at 
any time. But when Mr. Anderson was settled in the Pres- 
bytery of the Carolinas, his gifts and abilities were eminently 
needful. The Presbytery included three ministers, Messrs-. 
Dixon, Mushat, and Heron, and twenty congregations scat- 
tered over the Western Territories of Virginia, and the two 
Carolinas. From the congregations of Kockbridge county, 
Virginia, to those in Fairfield district, South Carolina, is 
fully three hundred miles. But the greater part of the 
twenty congregations are more convenient to each other, 
having their locality in the contiguous counties of Lincoln, 
Iredell, and Mecklenburgh, North Carolina, and in the ad- 
joining districts of York, Lancaster, Chester, and Fairfield, 
South Carolina. The people were mostly Irish and Scotch, 
or their descendants ; and. as is common with these races 



300 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

wherever found, they were zealous for the religion of their 
father. They had gone with their ministers into the union 
which gave rise to the Associate Reformed church, but about 
the year 1804, they withdrew from that ecclesiastical con- 
nexion, and came under the inspection of the Associate Synod 
of North America. The occasion was as follows : — Rev. John 
Mason, D. D., of New York, began in 1801 or '2, to advocate 
through the Christian Magazine the frequent observance of 
the Lord's Supper, and to arraign and condemn the customary 
sacramental fast days, and thanksgiving days, as not required 
nor warranted by the word of God. The Associate Reformed 
Synod of the South having met (1804 or '5,) in Bethany, 
York District, South Carolina, took up the subject of frequent 
communion, and after a long and animated discussion they 
approved and adopted the views of Dr. Mason, in all their 
extent. Two ministerial members of the Synod, viz : Rev. 
William Dixon and Rev. Peter M'Millan, and several elders 
protested against the reformation resolved upon, as a serious 
and pernicious deformation. Their remonstrances not being 
regarded by their brethren, they withdrew and forwarded a 
petition to the Associate Synod, requesting admission to 
fellowship with them. In answer to this petition, the A s- 
sociate Synod sent two of their members to the Carolinas, 
viz : Rev. John Anderson, D. D., and Rev. William Wilson, 
with power to constitute as a Presbytery, and receive the 
accession of Messrs. Dixon and M'Millan, and their adherents. 
The appointees fulfilled their mission in 1805 or '6, and so 
founded the Presbytery of the Carolinas in subordination to 
the Associate Synod of North America. 

In a few months after the perfecting of this ecclesiastical 
revolution, Mr. became openly and grossly in- 
temperate, and being laid aside, the care of all the Secession 
congregations in the South devolved for several years on Mr. 
Dixon alone. At length (about the year 1810,) Mr. John 
Mushat, of Cambridge Presbytery, New York, accepted the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 301 

call of the congregations of Cambridge and Stirling, in Iredell 
county, North. Carolina, and was installed as their pastor. 
About the same time, Mr. Andrew Heron, from the same 
Presbytery of New York, was settled in the congregations 
of Ebenezer and Timber-ridge, Rockbridge county, Virginia. 
And not long after, Mr. James Pringle, licensed by the Pres- 
bytery of Philadelphia, undertook the pastoral charge of 
Bethany and Steel Creek congregations, in Mecklenburgh 
county, North Carolina. The measure of ministerial gifts 
and abilities possessed by these young ministers was very 
considerable — greater than falls to the lot of many who 
officiate acceptably and usefully. The people of the Carolina 
Presbytery, rejoiced in them, as bright and shining lights, 
and rejoiced in the hope that the principles for which they 
were witnesses would prevail in the land, and exert a happy 
influence. But the prospect was soon darkened. Mr. Mushat 
opened an Academy in Statesville, Iredell county, in 1815, 
and made teaching his principal business, abandoning the 
work of the ministry in a good measure : and in the Autumn 
of 1817, Mr. Pringle was by an inscrutable Providence re- 
moved to the land of silence. The Presbytery was brought 
very low, and so continued till 1821, when Mr. T. Kitchen, 
from the Secession church of Scotland, was settled in the 
pastoral charge of Shiloh and Neely's Creek congregations ; 
the former in Lancaster, and the latter in York district, 
South Carolina. This addition to the Presbytery revived 
the spirits of the people. But Mr. Dixon being now far 
advanced in life, and compassed about with infirmities, the 
ministerial force of the Presbytery was altogether inadequate, 
and Mr. Anderson's services at the time of his settlement 
were greatly needed. 

He appears to have been fully aware from the first moment 
of his settlement, that he was called not to enjoy otium cum 
diynitate, but to work in the Master's vineyard, and accord- 
ingly he gave himself to work. He took boarding with Col. 
26 



302 HISTORY Or JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Thomas Grrier and lady, of Steel Creek, with whom also his 
predecessor had lodged. The Colonel and his lady were not 
possessed of great wealth, but they were animated by a 
liberal, generous spirit, and furnished their pastor with every 
needful accommodation gratuitously ; accounting his presence 
and company a sufficient remuneration. In the pastoral 
charge which he had been induced to accept, Mr. Anderson 
found one considerable advantage, which young ministers 
generally lack for a season — a supply of books appropriate 
to his studies. His predecessor, Mr. James Pringle, during 
the short course of his ministry, had collected for his own 
use a considerable library, amounting perhaps to three 
hundred volumes, and having neither wife nor child to pro- 
vide for, he had left the whole collection to the congregation 
of Steel Creek, for the use of his successors in the pastorate 
of the congregation. As Mr. Anderson was his first succes- 
sor, and came not only into Mr. Pringle's pulpit, but into 
his very study and bed-chamber, the books were all in their 
respective places as if waiting to be consulted. 

It is a time of severe trial when the front ranks of an army 
are cut down, and those in the rear march forward to fill their 
places, and see their brethren silent in death, or agonized 
with pain. It is wonderful that a man can maintain the 
control of himself, in such circumstances. Mr. Anderson's 
position was not so appalling, but it was solemn. There was 
a voice in the chamber, bed and books, and the voice gave 
utterance to the words, Ministers must die even as others. 
Remember that thou shalt die, and whatsoever thy hand 
findeth to do, do it with thy might. Whether Mr. Anderson 
in fancy heard these words or not, he was attentive to the 
warning and counsel contained in them. He addicted him- 
self to meditation and prayer. He searched the Scriptures 
and read commentaries and systems of Theology, that he 
might attain to a more perfect understanding of the Scrip- 
tures. He labored in preparing sermons and in preaching 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 303 

them. He held quarterly diets of examination, and general 
meetings of the youth in the church for examination and 
instruction. He attended also to parochial visitation, and 
exhorted from house to house. As his people were scattered 
over a parallelogram of thirty miles in length, and twelve in 
breadth, the last mentioned department of labor was very 
tedious and exhausting, yet he persisted in it, judging that 
it was an important and necessary part of his work : for how 
else could he know the spiritual wants of his people ? and 
if he knew them not, how could he give to each his portion 
in due season ? 

Mr. Anderson's situation had some advantages, as has 
been noticed. But there were also disadvantages connected 
with his charge. He was subjected to a great deal of labor 
in the way of traveling. Each tour to Bethany, to which 
he repaired every second Sabbath, was a journey of forty 
miles, and if called to visit the sick, or engaged in visiting 
from house to house, the journey was increased fifteen or 
twenty miles, making a circuit of more than a thousand miles 
in the course of the year. In addition to this large domestic 
traveling, he had long journeys of a more public nature, in 
attending Presbytery, meeting with brethren to assist in 
dispensing the Lord's Supper, supplying vacant congregations 
with preaching, repairing to the meetings of Synod, &c. 
These public jaunts being added to his common domestic 
traveling, the whole would amount to twenty-five hundred, 
or perhaps three thousand miles per annum ; involving a 
great deal of labor, and much loss of time. 

Mr. Anderson soon found that traveling on horse-back 
subjected him to febrile excitement, and other unpleasant 
symptoms. With the view of preventing the irritation, he 
furnished himself with a vehicle ; the remedy was not 
effectual, but still he went on with his work, and sought 
relief by other means. In the campaign of 1812, an attack 
being threatened, the army of which Mr. Anderson was a 



304 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

part, was put in order for the battle. Mr. Anderson being 
a large man and of reputation for courage, the officer in 
command singled him out, and calling him from the rear, 
where he was when the alarm was given, conducted him to 
the front rank and stationed him there. In like manner the 
Presbytery continually assigned to him the very front of 
ministerial exposure and hardship, and yet he did not pray 
to be excused because he had already done more than others, 
nor because the labor and exposure would probably be 
prejudicial to his health and comfort. Some one should go 
to this place and the other to dispense the Lord's Supper, or 
to moderate a call, or to install a minister, or to share in the 
deliberations of Synod : and the question being raised, who 
will go ? often did Mr. Anderson volunteer as at Fort Meigs, 
or quietly submit to the appointment of Presbytery under a 
sense of duty. 

To convince his hearers of their lost, undone estate by 
nature, and persuade them to trust in Christ for salvation, 
and to take his holy precepts for their guide and directory, 
was that at which Mr. Anderson aimed in all his ministra- 
tions, whether at home or abroad. He desired and endeavored 
to bring about a reformation in accordance with the word 
of God, and in conformity with the attainments of the church 
of Scotland in her happiest days. In carrying out this 
design, he preached the truth with simplicity and plainness, 
and assailed error directly and boldly, and yet with such calm 
dignity and scriptural force, that hearers who had been of a 
different opinion were not exasperated. His labors had not 
all the effect which he desired, but they were not in vain. 
His own members were generally awakened and stirred up 
to give more earnest heed to the things belonging to their 
peace. Many individuals were turned from irreligion and 
ungodliness j family worship was established in many dwel- 
lings ; the Sabbath was observed with increased solemnity ; 
intemperance and profaneness were abandoned, or practiced 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKET'H OP DR. ANDERSON. 305 

clandestinely, and with shame. Mr. Anderson's influence 
was felt in the neighboring congregations. Mr. William 
Dixon, the father and founder of the Presbytery, a man of 
earnest, solid piety, had some way fallen into the practice 
of baptizing the children of parents who gave attention to the 
preaching of the word, though they did not seek fellowship 
with Christ and his people, in the use of the Lord's Supper. 
With much kindness and with great respect, Mr. Anderson 
remonstrated against this practice of the venerable father as 
disorderly and pernicious in its effects, and his remonstrance 
was effectual. In some of the neighboring congregations, 
members of the Masonic Fraternity were church members in 
full communion at the time of Mr. Anderson's settlement in 
the Presbytery. But in the course of a few years such 
members, and chiefly through Mr. Anderson's influence, 
were called before their session and required to dissolve their 
connexion with the Masonic body. Most of them did so, 
and such as refused to comply were suspended from the 
fellowship of the church, as the discipline of the Associate 
body requires. The leaven of sound doctrine had then by 
various means made its way into some of the contiguous 
congregations. Mr. Andersen desired it to spread quickly 
through all the congregations of the Presbytery, and through 
the land, and with this view he moved the Presbytery in the 
Spring of 1824, to prepare and emit a pastoral letter. The 
Presbytery adopted the motion and appointed Mr. Anderson 
himself to prepare the contemplated letter. He accepted the 
appointment and prepared the draught of a letter, which 
being submitted was approved and published towards the 
close of the year. The original manuscript of this paper in 
Mr. Anderson's handwriting is before me. It is entitled, 
a pastoral letter by the Associate Presbytery of the Carolinas, 
to the people under their care. As it was the declared design 
of this paper to promote reformation according to the holy 
Scriptures, the author sets out with the position that true 
26* 



806 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

religion was in a low and languishing condition : he sustains 
this position by some instances and proof, and then addresses 
himself to the work of correcting errors in practice and in 
principle. Under the former head he treats of the great 
evil of intemperance, at that time extensively prevalent in 
the land, and quite too common among the members of 
the church. He passes on to the sin of profaning the 
Lord's day — the sin of neglecting family worship and family 
instruction — the sin of profaning gospel ordinances- — the 
sin of contemning Christ and his salvation, by declining 
to profess the faith and partake of the holy sacraments. 
Under the second general head the author notices not the 
principal errors in Theology, but some of those popular 
erroneous sentiments, which in his judgment have a direct 
tendency to harden the hearts of professors in a course 
of defection from the truth and cause of Jesus Christ. 
The errors particularly noticed and refuted are the following : 
"We should not disturb the peace of the church by con- 
tending for divine truth and ordinances.— -Error introduced 
or held by a professed believer should be spared. — Though 
we may oppose essential errors, we should not contend 
about the non-essential. — Controversy genders strife and 
displeasure among Christians, and it is good for nothing 
else. — Every man must answer for himself, and therefore, 
it is officious to trouble ourselves about the mistakes of 
others. — It is little difference what our sentiments are, 
if our practice be correct. — If we be sincere, it matters 
not about our faith or principles. — -It is impossible to 
obtain an agreement among professed Christians, and wo 
are therefore not to expect it, but to admit to the com- 
munion of the church those whom we in charity judge to 
be Christians, whatever their religious sentiments may 
be," &c. The several matters treated of in the letter, are 
handled in a plain, simple manner, as utility required, and 
yet with energy. Eloquence of diction is wanting, for it 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 807 

would have hindered the object intended. But sensible 
persons who may take up the pamphlet, will soon be satis- 
fied that the pen was guided by a discerning mind, well 
stored with knowledge, and by a sincere honest heart. The 
following passage respecting the duty of family worship is 
very forcible, and shows an extensive acquaintance with 
the word : " The matter of the duty being plain, that it 
should be performed by families, ice have abundant evidence. 
David returned to bless his house, 1 Chron. xvi : 43 ; Joshua 
resolved to serve the Lord with his house, Joshua xxiv : 
15 ; Job sanctified his family, and thus did Job continually, 
Job i : 5 ; Abraham was commended for his fidelity in this 
matter, Gen. xviii : 19 ; Noah built an altar for his family, 
G-en. viii : 20 ; the patriarchs built altars wherever they 
resided, Gen. xii : 7, and xxxv : 1, 3, 7. Scripture is not 
silent respecting the neglect of this duty, Jeremiah x : 25 : — ■ 
'Pour out thy fury on the heathen that know thee not, 
and on the families that call not on thy name.' Would 
such a denunciation have been uttered for the neglect of 
family devotions, if God had not required the performance ? 
That this duty should be performed daily, morning and 
evening, we have evidence from the appointment of the 
morning and evening sacrifices and services of old. Though 
the ceremonies of Divine worship have been changed, the 
worship itself has not. Former institutions of Divine 
worship remain in full force as to their substance and 
spirit, the ceremonial and typical form only being abolished. 
The appointment of morning and evening for Divine service 
was not typical-— it was moral and substantial, Psalm 
xcii : 1, 2. The appointment of the sacrifices at the Temple 
was not a substitute for the moral service of the people, 
but a requisition of it throughout the tribes of Israel in 
their families, Luke i: 9, 10; 1 Kings viii: 37—40. Observe 
therefore and revere the Scripture admonitions on this sub- 
ject; imitate in your practice the examples recommended, 



308 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 









and you will find conformity to them and family devotions 
the same thing." The following passage on the delicate 
subject of instructing slaves, shows at once the courage 
and prudence of the author and his zeal for the glory of 
Christ and the salvation of men : 

" On the subject of family education and family devotion, 
permit us to lay before you your obligations respecting 
your slaves : we do not detain you with admonitions to feed 
and clothe them : we are happy to say that the necessity 
of such admonitions is precluded as far as our observation 
extends. Nor is it our admonition at present to set them 
at unconditional liberty under present circumstances.* Nor 
is it our present design to discuss their natural right to 
liberty, or the absurdity of the supposition that this was 
ever forfeited by their suffering theft and sale by a barbarous 
conqueror, or the impossibility that a pecuniary compensation 
to one who never had a moral right over the person and 
liberty of the slave, should ever procure such a right to the 
purchaser ; all which we hope we have no occasion to urge. 
Our present design is to urge what the law of God and sound 
reason testify, and your own consciences must acknowledge 
to be a duty — a present and imperative, but much neglected 
duty — the religious education of your slaves." 

After obviating several objections to the duty, and show- 
ing by several Scriptures that the education of the poor 
afflicted creatures is an important duty, the author proceeds 
to urge to the performance in the following terms : " Your 
slaves have been taken from a land of moral darkness to a 
land of gospel light ; but with what advantage to them, if in 
the midst of light they walk in darkness ? Are they con- 
tented without gospel light ? So are your children, so are all 
mankind by nature. But by the means of grace, and the 

* That it is your duty to encourage a spirit of regular and well con- 
ducted emancipation, through tho organ of civil government or otherwise, 
we do assort. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 309 

blessing of the Spirit, the unwilling are made willing; you 
cannot expect to find them willing in ignorance. Imitate 
then your Lord and Master, who sought the lost sheep. If 
you have the gospel and have tasted that the Lord is gracious, 
would you monopolize such a favor ? Would you not he 
ready to say even to your servant, taste and see that the 
Lord is good : come, I will teach you the fear of the Lord ? 
Should not love to Christ induce you to extend the means of 
grace which you have enjoyed, in order to gain souls to him ? 
How could you address one of them on a death bed, too igno- 
rant to understand you ? How could you put up a petition 
for the dying and expect a gracious hearing, when you have 
withheld that knowledge which the Holy Spirit blesses for 
the salvation of the soul ? How can you see them approach 
their dreadful end, about to launch into eternal misery, and 
incapable of receiving instruction or consolation ? How can 
you reflect on their end, without remorse and horror, remem- 
bering that they were committed to your care for instruction 
and government, and you betrayed your trust, using them only 
for your temporal interest. Brethren, ponder well these real- 
ities. Try these things by the word of God, and see what 
verdict conscience must return." From that part of the let- 
ter which treats of popular erroneous sentiments, a single 
paragraph is presented. "The position that we ought to 
admit those whom we judge to be Christians is plausible, but 
unfounded. The man is to be admonished as a brother whom 
we exclude from our communion, 2 Thess. iii : 14, 15. If 
we make grace in the heart the rule of admission, the door 
is set open for every deceiver — the purity of the church is 
denied to be an object of her regard, and the way is opened 
for the introduction of every error. According to this rule 
the gospel minister is necessitated either to reprove errors and 
sins from the pulpit, which he has indulged in admission to 
communion, or to prove unfaithful to his trust, by keeping 
back part of the counsel of Grod. Where truth is neglected 



310 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

and forgotten, piety must decay. How often does the Psalmist 
speak of his love to God's truth, and of his delight in it. 
But is it consistent with a holy love to Divine truth, with a 
knowledge of it and a sense of its importance, to neglect or 
yield it, because our neighbor loves it not, or does not believe 
it?" 

The pastoral letter, at the contents of which we have 
glanced, was addressed to church members and others come 
to maturity of understanding. But he that feeds the sheep 
should feed the lambs also. The great Shepherd of the sheep 
requires this, John xxi : 15, and true policy requires it. 
That reformation must be ephemeral which overlooks the 
instruction and improvement of the rising generation. Our 
life on earth is but a shadow. The congregation that includes 
a hundred members, may, after the lapse of twenty years, 
have the same number or the double of it, but it will be found, 
on a careful comparison of the lists, that not more than one 
fourth of the original members are still remaining as compo- 
nent parts of the society. The youthful must therefore be the 
subjects of any improvement which it is desired to perpetuate. 
Assured of this, and recollecting that it is the express will of 
God that the fathers should make known his testimony and 
his law to their children, that the generation to come might 
know them, even the children which should be born, who 
should arise and declare them to their children, Mr. Ander- 
son employed his leisure moments in preparing a system of 
questions on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster 
Assembly. He intended by this work to assist parents in 
catechizing their children; but his principal object was to 
excite young persons seeking after the knowledge of Divine 
things, to think and inquire after the meaning of the words 
which they were accustomed to repeat. And accordingly his 
questions were mere questions. No answer was appended to 
them. Nothing at all was added to his questions, except a 
reference to some text of Scripture, which the pupil was 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 311 

under the necessity of hunting up and considering together 
with the text of the Shorter Catechism, that he might ascer- 
tain and return the true answer. When Mr. Anderson began 
this work, he perhaps intended nothing more than to prepare 
himself for catechizing with care the youth of his own charge. 
But when he had gone over the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, 
in the manner that has been noticed, he judged that the work 
might be useful to congregations and families generally, and 
accordingly he gave it to the public in the summer of 1826. 
With the questions and answers of the Shorter Catechism in 
large type, and Mr. Anderson's questions in smaller type, 
the work constitutes a volume of about two hundred pages, 
duodecimo. The edition published was small, comprising 
but eight hundred or perhaps a thousand copies, all of which 
were sold in a short time, except such copies as Mr. Ander- 
son was pleased to distribute gratuitously. To what extent 
this little work was profitable to the people of the southern 
churches, it is not easy to say. The best means of instruc- 
tion will not be attended with happy results, if they are 
neglected, and catechisms are too often treated with neglect. 
The writer, who about that time was commencing his minis- 
try in the same Presbytery, is constrained to acknowledge 
that Mr. Anderson's Catechism was very useful to him, 
and in his judgment it is well calculated to assist both parents 
and children in the acquisition of saving knowledge. He 
that watereth, shall be watered himself, and no doubt Mr. 
Anderson was greatly benefited by his own labors. Whether 
he excogitated the questions, or collected them from the 
writings of others, on the same points, his writing down the 
questions, and searching out and considering the texts 
appended, must have resulted in increasing his familiarity 
with the principles of sacred truth, and with the Scripture 
testimonies on which they depend. The nature of the work 
precluded the display of keen discernment and of learned 
research, and all that is claimed for Mr, Anderson on the 



312 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

score of it, is that his heart was so set on doing good, that he 
condescended to become the teacher of babes, and having 
devised a means of aiding their studies, he carried it into 
execution with no inconsiderable labor, being excited and 
animated by no other motive besides the desire and hope of 
contributing to the improvement of many. 

About the time that he began to prepare his Catechism, 
Mr. James Lyle, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, was 
ordained and installed as pastor of the congregations of 
Smyrna and Little River, the former in Chester, and the latter 
in Fairfield district, South Carolina. This addition to the 
ministerial force of the Presbytery, inured to Mr. Anderson's 
advantage, allowing him more time to devote to his Catechism 
and other studies, than he' could otherwise have had. From 
the labor of traveling to supply the vacancies, he obtained 
additional relief by the ordination and installment of Mr. W. 
M. M'Elwee, as pastor of the congregations of Tirzah and 
Sharon, both in York district, South Carolina. The ordina- 
tion took place at Sharon, on Thursday, the 1st day of April, 
1827; Mr. Anderson preaching the sermon from John xxi : 
15, 17 ) and leading in the prayer of consecration. In two 
or three weeks after this solemnity, Mr. Anderson, accompa- 
nied by the writer, set out to attend the meeting of the Asso- 
ciate Synod in the city of Pittsburgh. The journey was long, 
(the distance to Pittsburgh being five hundred and sixty or 
seventy miles,) and tedious, for there were no rail-roads in 
those days, nor even stage coaches on the required line : it 
was performed on horse-back, and occupied between ten and 
eleven weeks. But though the journey was tedious and 
wearisome, there was one circumstance of a redeeming char- 
acter. It afforded abundant opportunities for friendly con- 
ference. Of the talk indulged in during that journey, one 
item is distinctly remembered. We were returning to the 
South. After many miles of wearisome travel among the 
defiles and steeps of the Blue Ridge, we mounted the last 






BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 313 

ana loftiest eminence, from which we have an extensive view 
of the Atlantic slope, in appearance a vast plain covered with 
living green, and at that juncture redolent with the flowers 
of the season. The writer felt and expressed delight in see- 
ing once more the sunny South. Mr. Anderson seemed sad, 
and said in reply, that it appeared to Mm, to be a dry and 
parched land. How is that ; are you not satisfied with your 
location ? He answered, the South has never seemed to me 
as my home, but the land of my exile ; and then went on to 
state a number of particular objections, of which the princi- 
pal was the firm establishment of the peculiar institution. 
This item of conversation is related for the purpose of show- 
ing that though Mr. Anderson had been living in the South 
for several years, he was still a northern man in sentiment 
and feeling. We are apt to sympathize with the people 
among whom we dwell, and to fall in with their usages and 
way of thinking, and it has been supposed by some, that Mr. 
Anderson, by living in the South for a number of years, 
learned to sympathize with slave-holders, and with slavery 
itself. The supposition does him great injustice. He sym- 
pathized indeed with the Christian people of the South and 
cared for their souls, but the country he disliked, and the 
system of slave-holding he detested as an incubus on Church 
and State, and the fell destroyer of thousands. Not a great 
while after the conversation related above, during perhaps the 
following winter, slave-holding being the subject of conversa- 
tion, Mr. Anderson declared to the writer, that were he the 
father of a family and the possessor of real estate in the Caro- 
linas, he would regard it as his duty to prepare his will, and 
provide in the will that his family could have no use of his 
property, except in the way of selling it and conveying the 
proceeds beyond the limits of the slave-holding States. In 
the same conversation, or in some other about that time, hav- 
ing asked Mr. Anderson if his opposition to slave-holding 
was the reason of his continuing unmarried, he said in reply, 
27 



314 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

that his opposition to slave-holding was one reason, and a 
principal reason, that he was unwilling to be more firmly tied 
to the South than he was at present. 

In the spring of 1828 Mr. Anderson changed his lodgings 
from the hospitable mansion of Col. Grier, in Steel Creek, to 
the dwelling of Mr. John Wilson, in the congregation of 
Bethany. There was no dissension between Mr. Anderson 
and the Colonel or his family ; nor were they weary of him, 
or he of them. Mr. Wilson was one of the elders of the 
Bethany branch, and remarkable for tender, fervent piety. 
His partner and children partook of the same spirit. Their 
dwelling and their company were inviting But a regard for 
his health was the sole motive by which Mr. Anderson was 
prompted to make the exchange. He had been for some time 
troubled with febrile excitement, with want of appetite, and 
other symptoms of a diseased liver. The Colonel's habita- 
tion stood on a low, damp plain, two miles eastward of the 
Catawba river. Mr. Anderson thought that his location was 
in some measure the cause of his illness, and promised him- 
self better health, in the more elevated site occupied by the 
Wilson family. 

The Associate Synod of 1828 met in the city of Philadel- 
phia, in the month of May. Neither Mr. Anderson nor any 
other member of the Presbytery of the Carolinas was in 
attendance, except the Rev. A. Heron, of Rockbridge county, 
Virginia. Measures were commenced in that Synodical meet- 
ing, which proved fatal to the congregations of the Carolina 
Presbytery — measures which might, perhaps, have been pre- 
vented, had Mr. Anderson been present. Mr. John K., a 
licentiate of the Presbytery of Miami, having spent the 
greater part of the preceding winter in the vacancies of the 
South, went up to the meeting ; and though not entitled to a 
seat in Synod, he exerted a considerable influence. In con- 
versation with the members, he told that the brethren in the 
South Had many slaves, and that very few of the slaves were 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DE. ANDERSON. 315 

taught to read the holy Scriptures — that hardly any of them 
were church members — that in most of the families they were 
not brought into the house in the time of family worship — 
that the Act of 1811, in regard to slave-holding, was inopera- 
tive, &c. These reports, which were but too true, being 
handed from one to another, the attention of Synod was 
called to the subject of slave-holding by a particular member j 
and after some discussion, Synod appointed a committee to 
inquire and -report at the next meeting, whether further action 
in regard to slave-holding, was called for ; and if in their 
judgment further action was called for, what that action 
should be. 

Mr. Anderson, though not present, was appointed one of 
the committee. The other members were the Rev. James 
Adams, of Green county, Ohio, and the Rev. David Carson, 
of Blount county, Tennessee. At the same meeting of Synod, 
Mr. Adams was appointed for five or six months on what was 
then called the Missouri Mission ; and Mr. Anderson, with 
the view, perhaps, of allowing the committee an opportunity 
of meeting and consulting together, was appointed to supply 
Mr. Adams' pulpit for three months. Shortly after informa- 
tion of these appointments had reached the South, which was 
about the 1st of July, Mr. Anderson, in his new habitation, 
was taken with a severe bilious fever. His surviving the 
attack seemed for some time to be very doubtful ; and his 
traveling, according to the appointment of Synod, was thought 
to be altogether impracticable. In answer to the prayers of 
many, the merciful Disposer of all things was pleased, how- 
ever, to spare him, and to bring him up again from the gates 
of death. When he had regained a measure of strength, 
though still weak and pallid, he set out on horse-back, on a 
long journey of about eight hundred miles, in going out, and 
as many in returning. He started the last week of August, 
and returned towards the close of the year, much invigorated, 
though he had experienced several relapses in the course of 



316 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

his tour. Of his acceptableness to the brethren among whom 
he had been laboring, he was followed with a proof which 
was far from being pleasant to his many friends in the South. 
From Xenia to Massie's Creek, where he had preached statedly 
for three months, is but six miles. The Associate congrega- 
tion of Xenia was at that time without a pastor. Many of 
the members resorted to Massie's Creek, and heard Mr. 
Anderson from Sabbath to Sabbath during his continuance 
there : all heard him occasionally in their own place of wor- 
ship. Satisfied with his deportment, and with his ministerial 
gifts and qualifications, they petitioned the Presbytery of 
Miami for the moderation of a call, and concurred unanimously 
in calling Mr. Anderson to become their pastor. The call 
having been sustained by the Presbytery of Miami, was 
transmitted, in February or March, to the Presbytery of the 
Carolinas, for presentation. This proof of the high esteem 
entertained for Mr. Anderson by the brethren of the West 
was unpleasant to the people of the South, not because they 
thought him unworthy of esteem, but because they esteemed 
him so highly, and feared that the call from Xenia would 
issue in his removal. For this apprehension there were ample 
grounds. It was generally known that Mr. Anderson's health 
was not good, and that he attributed his bad health to the 
influence of the climate. It was known, too, that he did not 
regard with favor the peculiar institution. The writer, to 
whom Mr. Anderson had declared his dissatisfaction with the 
climate, and his dislike of slavery, frequently and earnestly, 
had scarcely a doubt that he would accept the call to Xenia, 
and be lost to the southern churches. The day of decision 
came round. The Presbytery of the Carolinas met at Steel 
Creek, on the first Tuesday of April. The members of the 
congregation of Steel Creek were generally in attendance. 
The people of Xenia were heard by their papers. The con- 
gregations of Bethany and Steel Creek were heard through 
their commissioners. Regarding the case as important and 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 317 

solemn in its consequences, the Presbytery directed a mem- 
ber to lead in prayer. The member designated prayed with 
tears and sobs, and all present were deeply affected. After 
prayer, the call was presented for acceptance or rejection. 
Mr. Anderson arose and announced, to the great relief and 
joy of all, That as he did not see that it was his duty to leave 
his present post, he declined the call to Xenia. From this 
account of the proceedings of that day, it may be inferred 
that Mr. Anderson reciprocated the affection of his southern 
friends, and was controlled in declining the call to Xenia by 
his feelings alone. Had the Presbytery and people of his 
charge manifested coldness and indifference, it is indeed prob- 
able that his determination would have been different from 
what it was. But from notes found among his papers, it 
appears that he had solemnly and prayerfully considered the 
matter of his removal before the Presbytery met, and had 
come to a determination respecting it. 

In these times, ministers transfer themselves from one place 
to another so frequently, and with so little apparent conside- 
ration, that the ministry is fallen under reproach as a trade, 
which certain persons follow in one place or another, as seems 
most advantageous to themselves. It is but too probable that 
many ministers, in their removals, do not seriously consider 
whether they are following the line of duty or not. But Mr. 
Anderson examines carefully, as we would naturally expect a 
man of God to do. In his argumentation with himself, two 
principles are assumed ; the one is, that it is sometimes the 
duty of a gospel minister to change the field of his labors J 
the other, that neither usefulness nor comfort can be reasona- 
bly expected unless the change be made in accordance with 
duty, or the will of God. Having placed himself on this 
foundation, doubtless a solid one, Mr. Anderson lifted his 
eyes to heaven, looking to the great Counselor for light to 
show, and grace to choose the path of duty. And besides 
praying for light, he endeavored to open his eyes and see, 
27* 



318 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

noticing and weighing the arguments pro and con. Am^sig 
the considerations which he thought worthy of his attention, 
it is remarkable that there is no one respecting his own incli- 
nations, and no one that has any reference to his worldly 
interest or credit. It seems to have been his judgment that 
such considerations should be disregarded in ordinary cases 
of the kind ; and, beyond doubt, his determination to con- 
tinue in the South was contrary to his inclination, as when 
he determined to tarry longer at Fort Meigs for the defence 
of the place. 

During his tour to the West, Mr. Anderson met and con 
ferred with the other members of the Committee on the sub 
ject of slave-holding. He had no angry disputations with 
the brethren, whom he esteemed very highly, yet he did not 
accord with them in judgment. Messrs. Adams and Carson 
agreed on a report to the Synod of 1829, in which Mr. Ander- 
son could not concur. That the reader may understand how 
the parties stood, it is necessary to state that the Synod had 
carefully examined the subject of slave-holding in 1811, and 
had, after many prayers, concluded that slave-holding is a 
moral evil — that slave-holders in the Associate Church be 
required to emancipate their slaves, if the State in which they 
live admit of emancipation — that if the State forbid emanci- 
pation within its limits, masters may hold their slaves, not 
making merchandise of them, not ruling them with rigor, but 
with a parental sway, feeding and clothing them comfortably, 
instructing them in the principles of our holy religion, and 
treating them as though free, by giving them a reward for 
their work. 

The report of the committee went further than this. It 
admits — 

"1. That children born in a state of slavery, may be law- 
fully required to serve, with the consent of their parents, for 
a term of years sufficient to remunerate their masters for their 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 319 

support and education ; and also, without the consent of their 
parents, if remuneration can be had in no other way. 

" 2. That persons of any color may, for their crimes, or for 
the payment of a just debt, be lawfully sold into a state of 
servitude for any term of years, or for life, yet not so as to 
affect posterity. 

"3. That persons may be lawfully held in a state of servi- 
tude for a term of years, or for life, by virtue of a compact 
into which they have voluntarily entered. 

"4. That persons who are held as slaves by the laws of 
the civil community, may be lawfully purchased, at their own 
request, and their services used by the purchaser, for a term 
of years, or for life, according to the agreement between the 
purchaser and the purchased. 

"5. That persons who have been held as slaves may, for a 
term of years, be detained in a state of servitude, according 
to a rule of Church or State, tending to secure more effectu- 
ally their emancipation, and their own or the community's 
future safety and prosperity." 

The report maintains that the holding of human beings in 
bondage, is in all other cases sinful, and concludes with the 
following resolutions : 

" 1. That slavery be considered by this Synod a sin, not to 
be tolerated in any of the members of our communion. 

"2. That the selling of a slave, as transferable property, 
by any person in our communion, is censurable. 

"3. That the holding of a slave, in any case not specified 
in the above few particulars, is censurable. 

" 4. That measures be taken to procure the incorporation 
of a company, composed of certain persons to be chosen by 
Synod, for the purpose of legalizing the emancipation of 
slaves held by our members, (the duty of such incorporation 
to be explained in detail hereafter,) and that a committee be 
appointed to make arrangements to this effect." 



320 insTORY op Jefferson college. 



These were the views of the majority of the committee, in 
which, as has been noticed, Mr. Anderson did not concur. 
Wherein he differed, and for what reasons, will be shown here- 
after. At present I will merely state that Dr. John Ander- 
son, whom Mr. Abraham Anderson had been accustomed from 
his youth to revere as a ripe scholar and a devout Christian, 
had vindicated that toleration of slave-holding granted in the 
Act of 1811 by several considerations. Dr. John Anderson 
had taught that private citizens should bear many hardships 
and wrongs, rather than disturb the peace and harmony of 
the society in which they live ; and as citizens should pursue 
this meek and quiet course > so they should allow their colored 
neighbors to suffer wrong and temporal hardships, rather than 
disturb the peace and order of the community in attempts to 
relieve them. He had also taught that a private individual 
is not to be faulted for withholding civil rights and privileges 
from another, when it is not in his power to confer those rights 
and privileges on the other. These sentiments Mr. Ander- 
son had imbibed in early life. He was by education, and 
perhaps by natural temperament, a conservative, and there- 
fore slow to believe that the new wine is better than the old. 
It may be added, that Jiving in the midst of the slave terri- 
tory, Mr. Anderson was more fully acquainted with the obsta- 
cles in the way of emancipation than the other members of 
the committee could well be. They no doubt thought that 
their project could be carred into effect with advantage to the 
southern churches ; but Mr. Anderson was fully apprized that 
the remedy, if applied, would prove the ruin of all the con- 
gregations belonging to the Presbytery of the Carolinas. 

Mr. Anderson did not attend the meeting of Synod in 1829 ; 
and his objections not being known, the report of the majority 
of the committee was, without any considerable opposition, 
adopted as an overture, and handed down to the Presbyteries 
and Sessions for their judgment. 

The overture came to the South with the minutes of 1829, 



. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 321 

and was read by several ministers (if not all) to their congre- 
gations, though the public reading of such a paper was con- 
trary to the law of the land. Many Seceders disapproved of 
the reading, and some of the citizens threatened the enforce- 
ment of the law, but no minister was molested. 

The latter part of the summer of 1829 Mr. Anderson spent 
in Monroe county, Virginia, seeking health in the use of the 
mineral waters of that district. He returned before the 
meeting of Presbytery in October, somewhat improved. The 
attention of the Presbytery, at that meeting, was turned to 
the overture. After some remarks about the course which it 
was incumbent on the Presbytery to pursue, it was resolved 
unanimously to remonstrate against the overture, and Mr. 
Anderson was appointed to draught the remonstrance. In 
the course of the winter Mr. Anderson prepared a paper for 
that purpose, which, having been read in the spring meeting of 
1830, the Presbytery adopted without altering so much as a 
word, and ordered the remonstrance to be forwarded and sub- 
mitted to the Synod, to meet in the city of Philadelphia in 
uhe month of May. The writer carried up, and presented the 
document, and observed the impression produced by it. All 
attended while the paper was being read with evident interest. 
Irritation and dissatisfaction were visible in the countenances 
of some. When the reading was finished, a talented and 
influential member pronounced the remonstrance a very able 
document, said that he knew who was its author, and moved 
that a committee should be appointed to answer it. Others 
objected, and it was finally concluded to publish the remon- 
strance with the minutes of Synod, and to defer further action 
on the subject of slave-holding till the next meeting. 

A great majority of the ministers and members of the Asso- 
ciate Church were, as they are still, earnestly opposed to 
slave-holding ; and as he who opposes a particular method of 
removing an evil, is apt to be regarded by the earnest advo- 
cates of that method as favoring the evil and desiring the 



322 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 






continuance of it, Mr. Anderson fell, in consequence of bis 
able paper, under suspicion and reproacb among tbe bretbren 
in tbe Nortb. It was concluded by many that tbe Soutb had 
seduced him, and that he was bound with chains to the iron 
car of the slave-holders. 

With the view of vindicating his reputation as an anti- 
slavery man, and showing at the same time his candor and 
courtesy in reasoning with opponents, and his great ability in 
handling a knotty, difficult question, the following extracts 
from the remonstrance are submitted for consideration : 

" Far be it from us, (see minutes of 1830, page 35,) to 
defend either the principle or the practice of slavery, or to 
endeavor to effect in Synod even an unnecessary delay in 
removing the evil. Involuntary servitude is a sin, a heinous 
sin, and indefensible by the laws of nature or of revelation. 
It involves the nation in guilt whenever permitted by tbe 
government, but especially when it is maintained by legisla- 
tive authority, and the chains of slavery are riveted by iniqui- 
tous laws. We are convinced that to our country, and 
especially to the slave States, slavery threatens moral, religious, 
and political ruin — that the native influence of this practice, 
and the judgments of God for this sin, have already produced 
many bitter fruits, and threaten much more — that even tem- 
poral happiness cannot long exist in the present state of things. 
We believe it is the duty of civil government to adopt mea- 
sures for emancipation, and we view with grief and alarm 
their apathy on this subject. Infatuation has supervened ; 
and providential threatenings only rouse our legislators, as 
Pharaoh of old, to multiply the chains of slavery and bind 
them faster. 

" It may now be asked, after all these concessions, can you 
hesitate a moment about the duty of adopting the articles of 
tbe overture ? We reply, as soon as tbe Synod shall find a 
practicable and lawful plan of emancipation, let these articles 
be adopted ; but not till then. Sinful as slavery is, it is not 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 323 

more so than a plan of emancipation might be made to be. 
It is not every measure of escaping a sin that will acquit us 
of guilt. Shall we presume that our good intentions will 
justify whatever measures rashness, or mistake, might lead us 
to adopt ? Shall we do evil, that good may come ? The 
Synod, in 1811, were as anxious to effect the complete aboli- 
tion of slavery as they are now; and nothing, we believe, 
but insurmountable obstacles, or at least what they judged 
such, led them to adopt the measures they did. If Divine 
Providence has since opened a door which they did not enjoy, 
or given us additional light, let us promptly improve our 
advantages. But it is possible we have lost sight of those 
obstacles which then checked their laudable designs, and 
obstacles which yet exist in all their force. It cannot, there- 
fore, be improper to take a view of these impediments, that 
if they cannot be surmounted or removed, we may wait for 
Divine Providence to open our way ; and if they can, that 
we may intelligently and deliberately lay our plans for doing so. 

" In laying before Synod the difficulties to which we have 
alluded, we shall consider, in order, three methods of emanci- 
pation, which, as far as our knowledge extends, are the only 
methods that have been proposed, or that occur to us as pos- 
sible : — Colonization, transfer of the slaves to a free State, 
and emancipation at home. 

" The Colonization Society might afford some aid in effect- 
ing our object. But — (1.) The funds of that Society are as 
yet inadequate to such an extensive operation as we propose. 
(2.) Though some slave-holders might avail themselves of 
the privileges of that Society by advancing funds for the 
transportation of their own slaves, yet many masters could 
not command such funds. (3.) It is a condition with the 
Society, that the slaves be willing to go to their colony. Now 
a few might be willing to go, and if funds could be obtained, 
they might be emancipated. But some who are willing to go, 
could not be sent for want of funds ; and those who are 



324 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

unwilling must, on this plan, remain in slavery. This method, 
therefore, cannot effect the complete abolition of slavery in 
our communion. 

" The second plan of emancipation is to transfer the slaves 
to the free States. This plan is also attended with difficul- 
ties : 

" 1st. By this plan, slaves would not be free ; they would 
be governed, but not represented ; fixed by force and power 
in the lowest grade of society. 

" 2d. Many masters, who can support their slaves under 
their care, could not give them any means of subsistence, if 
put away. 

" 3d. There is reason to fear that such an influx of colored 
population into the free States as this measure proposes, 
would be prohibited. 

"4th. Many masters would not be able to furnish the 
funds necessary to carry their slaves to a free State. "Without 
some provision, therefore, by Synod to meet this difficulty, 
this method of emancipation must of necessity fail of effecting 
our object. 

" 5th. Though a master could afford the funds necessary 
to transfer his slaves to a free State, but would deny his 
ability, by what means could the church reduce her rules to 
practice ? Could she undertake to examine the minuitse of 
his estate, pronounce that he is able to transport his slaves 
at his own expense, and require him to do so under pain of 
suspension or excommunication ? Synod could not, after 
aiding one master in emancipating his slaves, command 
another to do it at his own expense. 

" 6th. Many slaves are aged and infirm, and in most cases 
their masters could not provide for them without the services 
of the younger slaves. 

" 7th. Emancipation would not only be attended with loss, 
but in some cases with bankruptcy. It would place some 
masters on the pauper list, and make them dependent on the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 325 

county funds. This might subject our measures to partial, 
and even to utter defeat by the State. 

"8th. Many slaves are of such a character as not to war- 
rant their masters to comply with the requisitions of free 
States in order to their admission ; and as masters cannot 
be compelled to give their slaves freedom under this condi- 
tion, such slaves must remain in servitude. 

"9th. Many slaves would not be willing to go to Africa, 
or even to a free State. Not a few would be found of this 
description. To oblige them to go would be to interfere with 
their just rights, and still further curtail what the practice 
of slavery has curtailed too far. It would impose a punish- 
ment which the case does not seem to warrant. They would 
account it banishment to be removed, and would prefer 
perpetual slavery. To banish them from the soil and climate 
where all their endeared associations are, — to banish them 
for no crime, and when the necessity of the case is not 
imperious, would be substituting cruelty and injustice for 
kindness. They must by this measure be separated, not 
only from an endeared home, perhaps an endeared master, 
(the case is not uncommon,) but also from their relatives, 
when these are divided among several masters, as they 
generally are, and among masters who would not emancipate, 
and from whom the emancipator could not buy. It may, 
perhaps, be urged, in the spirit of the 3d preliminary of the 
overture, that those slaves who are unwilling to go to Africa, 
or elsewhere out of the slave States, having now the offer 
of freedom, may bind themselves to servitude, and the master 
be innocent. We reply, we think indeed the master would 
be innocent ; not because he is by this compact free from the 
practice of slavery, but because, in taking this step, he can 
do no better. Therefore, though the master be innocent in 
such a compact, (the maxim, Of two moral evils, choose 
neither, to the contrary notwithstanding,) yet an object 
contemplated in the overture, the complete abolition of 
28 



326 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

slavery in our communion, is not obtained. The slave, by 
whatever form of bond he obligates himself to his master 
while the State does not recognise his freedom, is in his 
master's power as much as ever, — he is a slave by the law 
of the State, and deprived of all his civil rights of which he 
was deprived before. He is, 'with all his offspring, liable to 
seizure for his master's debts, and liable to be claimed by 
legatees, even though by will and testament declared free in 
the State. Even though the master had bequeathed him 
privileges and immunities which the laws do not recognise, 
they all pass for nothing. These considerations show an 
inconsistency between the first five preliminaries in the over- 
ture, and a proposition which requires the Synod to take 
measures for putting it out of the power of any of our 
members to hold a slave in such a state, that he may be 
transferred as the property of the holder. All the cases 
admitted in these preliminaries leave the slave transferable, 
by either the master or the State. 

" The third method of removing slavery from our com- 
munion, is emancipation in the State. Here we shall offer 
but one objection, which is, that the laws of the slave-holding 
States forbid such emancipation. A slave cannot be made 
free in a slave State. This plan, therefore, under existing 
laws, is impracticable, and must be rejected. But here we 
meet with a last resort, and if correct, an effectual measure 
for the complete abolition of slavery in our communion. It 
is proposed in the overture that if the laws of the State have 
cut off a rational prospect of liberating the slave, either im- 
mediately, or at any period nearly approaching, it then 
becomes the imperious duty of the individual slave-holder to 
free his own hands of the sin by relinquishing his unjust 
claim, and leaving teh guilt of it on the community. By 
relinquishing his unjust claim, we understand laying no claim 
whatsoever to the slave, — literally manumitting him. If 
this be not the meaning of the sentence quoted, we see no 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 327 

meaning in it at all. We are sorry to see this proposition 
seriously advanced ; and still more sorry should we be, with 
all our abhorrence of slavery, to see it reduced to practice. 
We do consider it, under the circumstances with which 
slavery is at present connected, at war with the rules of 
morality. But as it may not appear to all as exceptionable 
as it does to us, we shall examine it more particularly. 

" Let it be remembered that the inevitable consequence of 
quitting all claim to the slave, and leaving him in the slave 
State, which the proposition supposes, is perpetual slavery 
for him and his posterity under existing laws. Let us then 
examine the operation of this measure. 

H 1st. The measure proposed would confer no degree of 
favor on the slave ; it would not restore his rights, render 
justice, nor amend his circumstances. 

" 2d. The measure proposed would be a profligate waste 
of the powers and privileges which slave-holders possess. All 
slave-holders have the power to use their slaves more humanely 
than the laws compel them to do, and more humanely than 
they are generally used throughout the slave States. They 
can teach, while others raise them in ignorance ; they can 
feed and clothe, while others starve them. And if ever a 
time should come when the liberation of slaves would be 
possible, though not required by the State, by this one rash 
act in adopting the measure proposed, the power of benefiting 
the slave would be for ever lost. Does not moral justice 
require us to be more frugal of our power, than to throw it 
away to no purpose ? 

" 3d. By the measure proposed we should be doing positive 
injury to the slave, exposing him to oppression, starvation, &c. 

" 4th. The proposition we are opposing virtually counter- 
acts the second article of the overture, which forbids the 
sale of slaves. If we deliver over our servant to perpetual 
slavery, as this measure proposes, we do all that is evil in 
Felling him. 



328 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

" 5th. By following the method proposed, we will not free 
our own hands of the sin of slavery. How shall we free our 
hands of this sin, by exposing our servants and their offspring 
to inevitable and perpetual slavery ? Neither the laws of 
God nor of man, as far as we have discovered, have made a 
difference in the guilt of delivering and of receiving a stolen 
article, unless perhaps they furnish an inference, tbat the 
first is more criminal ; nor between the guilt of inflicting an 
unjust punishment by our own hand, or by the hand of 
another. And by whatever circuitous method we do the one 
or the other, it is the same guilt. To deliver the slave, 
therefore, over to the civil law, to be sold according to ita 
known regulations, is the same as to do it ourselves. David 
was as guilty of murdering Uriah by the hand of the Amorites, 
as though he had done it with his own hand." 

After urging tbat the measure proposed would be unkind 
and cruel to the slaves, the remonstrance proceeds in the 
following terms, page 43 — " We acknowledge that in the 
case under consideration the only alternatives are, to set the 
slave free from our hands into inevitable and perpetual 
slavery, or to retain him for the time in slavery to ourselves. 
Having rejected the former, we must adopt the latter. But 
here we are met by the formidable axiom, Of two moral evils, 
there is never a necessity to choose either. In the overture 
this axiom is immediately applied to the case before us. One 
would suppose the inference now is, Since there are two moral 
evils in our choice, slavery and the above alternative, we 
should choose neither, but adopt some other method of eman- 
cipation. This, however, does not appear to be the inference 
intended ; but it is taken for granted that slavery, in all 
circumstances, is sinful, and that therefore by the axiom, 
this method of emancipation is not. Why not reverse the 
application of the axiom thus — The method of emancipation 
proposed is sinful, and therefore slavery, in comparison, is 
innocent ? The truth of the axiom we do not deny, but we 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 329 

do tliink it is misapplied in the overture. The error lies in 
supposing an action sinful in certain circumstances, and there- 
fore sinful in all circumstances. But some actions no cir- 
cumstances can justify; others depend on circumstances for 
their justification or condemnation. To kill a neighbor is 
sinful in certain cases, and not in others ; to labor on the 
Sabbath is sinful in certain cases, and not in others ; so, 
while it is sinful to deprive a man of his liberty by violence, 
Or to keep him in bondage by force and power when he 
might be free of his choice, it does not follow that to keep 
him in slavery till emancipation becomes possible, and till it 
may be done without cruelty and injustice, is also sinful." 

What the Scriptures teach as to the matter on hand, is 
declared in the following language, page 46 — " That the 
apostles did receive to the communion of the church .both 
masters and servants, without requiring emancipation as a 
term of admission, we think cannot be denied. For proof of 
this we appeal to 1 Cor. vii : 20-24 ; Eph. vi : 5, 9. Now, 
■what shall we do with these stubborn facts ? Shall we evade 
them by saying, as in the overture, that it is not necessary 
to understand the name servant, so frequently used in the 
New Testament Scriptures, to mean slaves, while the term is 
frequently used to denote a hireling? This is irrelevant; 
for though we should acknowledge that the name servant 
frequently means hireling in the New Testament, yet if in 
any cases iu which the apostles gave directions to masters 
and servants as such, and as members of the church, they 
used it to denote slaves, the question is decided. That the 
apostles did use the name servant in the latter sense, is clear 
from 1 Cor. vii : 21, and 1 Tim. vi : 1, 2." 

On the question, How could the apostles tolerate slave- 
holding? the remonstrance states, page 47 — "That it was 
not in their commission to lay the hand of miraculous power 
on the nations, and model their governments by the rules of 
holy Scripture ; this work was left to the common providence 
28* 



830 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of Grod, and the operation of moral and physical causes in his 
hand. While, therefore, the Roman government was per- 
mitted, in Divine Providence, to continue in the form it then 
had, and to maintain the laws it then did, entire emancipa- 
tion was impossible. Slavery, then, was permitted in church 
members by the apostles, on the same principles for which 
We plead — on the principles of necessity ■ because the remedy 
was not in their hand." 

These extracts are submitted for the purposes already 
mentioned, and not with any view, thought, or desire of 
reviving an old controversy. 

The Synod of 1831 was appointed to meet in Canonsburg, 
Washington county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Anderson went up 
to the meeting, accompanied by the writer. We started about 
the middle of April, and traveled the same route as in 1827 ; 
but in carriages, and not on the saddle, as in 1827. 

We reached Canonsburg towards the close of the third 
week. Our relatives and Christian friends rejoiced, and we 
rejoiced with them. Our joy, however, was moderated by 
frequent thoughts of our ecclesiastical position, and of the 
worse predicament in which we might, and perhaps would be, 
placed by the action of the coming Synod. We were not 
personally interested in the slave question. Neither of us 
claimed the distinction of being the master of a fellow-mortal. 
But as connected with our congregations and the congrega- 
tions of our Presbytery, we were laid under a heavy charge by 
the overture of 1829. By a resolution of Synod adopted in 
1830, we were required also to show the extent of our guilt ; 
and from what we knew of northern sentiment, we feared that 
We had to encounter a vehement wind— such as would over- 
turn and scatter our congregations, as the North-wester which 
fell upon us at the foot of the Blue Ridge overturned trees 
and fences, scattering the fragments in every direction. In 
this expectation we were disappointed. The Synod met on 
Wednesday, the 11th of May. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 331 

[Dr. Anderson's biographer then gives a full account of 
the action of the Synod on the subject of slavery — of the 
course pursued by Dr. Anderson and his southern brethren — ■ 
of the final dissolution of their pastoral relations, and their 
removal from the southern States. Though the whole state- 
ment is interesting and affecting, and though many would 
read with admiration the strenuous efforts of Dr. Anderson 
in the Synod, and in the South, to avert the calamity of the 
complete breaking up of the Secession body in the southern 
States, we must omit this part of the narrative. Dr. Ander- 
son, though decidedly opposed to slavery, would have guided 
the Secession Church to a wiser course, in the judgment of 
many, could his counsels have prevailed. But he conscien- 
tiously believed it his duty to submit to the decisions of his 
Synod. He left his large and interesting charge in Carolina, 
having received a call to a congregation in Washington county, 
New York. In his charge, consisting of Steel Creek and 
Bethany congregations, were two hundred and five slaves, of 
whom were sixty-nine readers, eight communicants, and one 
hundred and fifty-seven catechumens. Yet, from a sense of 
duty, having promised obedience to his brethren in the Lord, 
he withdrew, forever, from these poor sons of Ham.] 

Before the meeting of Presbytery in 1833, a call came to 
hand from the Associate congregation of Hebron, Washing- 
ton county, New York, which, being presented by the Pres- 
bytery, Mr. Anderson accepted of it, and demitted the pastoral 
care of Bethany and Steel Creek. 

As soon as the weather and roads were in such a state as 
to admit of comfortable traveling, Mr. Anderson took his 
final leave of the South, and of his respectful, loving parish- 
ioners. No doubt there was heaviness on his part, and tears 
and sobs with them. Had he possessed the spirit of prophecy, 
he might have said as Paul did to the elders of Ephesus — 
<c And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have 
gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no 



832 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

tnore ;" for such was the event. They saw hira — they heard 
his solemn, affectionate voice no more. 

He made his way to New York in safety, and commenced 
his ministerial career in Hebron about the 1st of June. 

Mr. Anderson's new field of labor was much more limited 
than the former ; and, of consequence, he had more time for 
reading and meditation, and being less exposed, his health 
Was more uniform. He applied himself with earnestness and 
diligence to his proper work as a minister of Christ-— preach- 
ing, visiting, catechizing, &c, as in the South ; and, without 
any special efforts, he attained in a short time to a distin- 
guished standing among the ministers and brethren of Cam- 
bridge Presbytery. 

After the resignation of Professor John Anderson, of Ser- 
vice, in 1820, there were two schools of the prophets under 
the care of the Associate Synod,— one in Philadelphia, super- 
intended by Rev. J.ohn Banks, D. D., and the other in Can- 
onsburg, superintended by Rev. James Ramsey, D. D. Doc- 
tor Banks being removed by death in 1829, it was concluded 
to cast the two Seminaries into one, and place over the united 
Seminary two Professors,- — the first to be called the Professor 
of Didactic and Polemic Theology, and the second to be styled 
Professor of Biblical Literature and Ecclesiastical History. 
The Synod of 1831 located the united Seminary in Canons- 
burg, and elected Dr. Ramsey to the Professorship of Didac- 
tic and Polemic Theology. The other Professorship was not 
filled at that time ; but in the meeting of Synod at Canons- 
burg, in the fall of 1833, Rev. David Carson, of Blount 
county, Tennessee, was chosen to fill it. He acquiesced in 
the judgment of his brethren, and moved with his family to 
Canonsburg in June of 1834. He was thirty-three or four 
years of age. His ruddy complexion and robust form, prom- 
ised a long life of usefulness. But the race is not to the 
swift, nor the battle to the strong. It was well, no doubt, 
that it was in his heart to build the house of the Lord. But 






BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 333 

he was not permitted to do the work. Before he had made 
an actual commencement in his department of official labor, 
he was removed to the land of silence. His death occurred 
about the 20th of September, 1834 ; and the Synod meeting 
shortly after in the city of Baltimore, proceeded to the elec- 
tion of another. Rev. Abraham Anderson was chosen ; but 
he could not say that he would take the place, and discharge 
the duties of it according to the best of his ability. In the 
hope that time would remove his difficulties, the Synod 
allowed him to hold the call under consideration till the next 
meeting appointed to be held in Canonsburg, 1835. This 
indulgence was indicative of an earnest desire on the part of 
the Synod that Mr. Anderson would accept the post to which 
he was called, and he considered what was his duty in the 
case very seriously, and with earnest prayer for Divine direc- 
tion. In a letter to the writer bearing date November 27th, 
1834, the following language is used : — " One thing occurred 
at Synod in which I am much interested — my election to the 
Professorship. If I were to consult my own comfort only, I 
would decline. But I consider it a matter of weighty con- 
cern, and that its weight would require me to make greater 
sacrifices than any call I ever had before. The fear of a cor- 
rupt man, or a man under corrupt influence filling the place 
and poisoning the fountains and streams which water our vine- 
yard, makes it no matter of indifference to me, and points 
out my accountability. The providences connected with the 
case have been remarkable. While I was in the Carolinas, 
and preferred almost anything to my situation there, and had 
nothing in these respects to hinder my acceptance of the call, 
it was not made. It was not made till I was settled, and in 
such circumstances, that I find it more difficult than I ever 
did, or would have found it before, to change my location. 
Thus Providence seems to say, that I must wade through 
difficulties, in duty or to duty — that I must not come to my 
duties with ease, or that it is not my duty to change my loca- 



334 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

tion at present. That it is through difficulties and trials I 
must engage in duty, and perform it, is, I am aware, no 
strange thing. It is the appointed way ; and if this were all 
the hinderance it would be no argument against my removal, 
but I suspect some of my difficulties are insurmountable. 
Dear friend, I request both your counsels and your prayers. 
It is God only that can guide my judgment and my heart. 
I dread the influence of temptations from the world and of 
carnal views and affections. Such a dilemma presented, and to 
be determined under the influence of a carnal mind, is a fear- 
ful condition." 

The great impediment was the very delicate health of Mrs. 
Anderson, which not changing for the better in the course of 
the time given for consideration, Mr. Anderson finally declined 
the office to which he had been appointed. Informed of his 
decision, the Synod of 1835 proceeded to the election of 
another, and fixed on the Rev. Thomas Beveridge, of Phila- 
delphia, now Dr. Beveridge, who accepted the appointment, 
and is still serving the church in that office to the satisfaction 
of the Synod and students of theology. 

The chair of Didactic Theology being vacant by the death 
of Dr. Martin, the Synod of 1847, sitting in Allegheny, pro- 
ceeded to the choice of an incumbent. Mr. Anderson was 
chosen, and without hesitation accepted the office. No doubt 
he could have said as before, Were I to consult my own com- 
fort only, I would decline. But I consider this call a matter 
of weighty concern, and that its great weight requires me to 
make greater sacrifices than any call I ever had before. (See 
Letter above.) The sacrifices involved in the undertaking 
were by no means trifling. He had to abandon a very com- 
modious settlement at a considerable pecuniary loss. He had 
to forsake the society of his affectionate parishioners, of his 
relations in New York, and of his own family, in some mea- 
sure. He had to abandon that leisure and quietude which 
men at his stage of life (not far from sixty) generally prize, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 335 

and to gird himself for labors in a new field, — labors that are 
difficult in their nature, and made more difficult as youthful 
candidates for the ministry are apt to be fastidious as to the 
manner in which their spiritual food is presented. Mr. Ander- 
son, without doubt, counted the cost before he undertook the 
work, for such was his habit ; and hence he did not afterwards 
draw back nor murmur at finding difficulties which he had 
not anticipated. 

He repaired to Canonsburg about the 1st of November, the 
commencement of the theological session, leaving his wife, 
whose health was more uniform than in 1834, and his only 
child, a daughter twelve or thirteen years of age, with Mrs. 
Law, his wife's mother. He took boarding with Mx\ Wm. 
M'Lelland, one of the companions and friends of his youth, 
and labored throughout the winter in his appropriate office, 
and in preaching the word to the congregation of Chartiers 
as a helper of Dr. Ramsey, now in debility through age. 
The writer attended the meeting of the Board at the close of 
the session, and spent some time with Mr. Anderson in his 
private study. He did not complain of his labors, nor of 
solicitude about his family, from which he was so distant, but 
seemed care-worn and heavy, — not so cheerful as in the sunny 
South, and I was therefore led to conclude that he felt his 
labors and privations, though he would not permit his lips to 
complain. The session closing with the month of March, 
Mr. Anderson returned to his family in New York. About 
this time the honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon 
him by the Faculty and Board of Franklin College, in the 
State of Ohio. 

Having in the course of the summer made some disposition 
of his property in New York, he returned with his family to 
Canonsburg in the month of October ; and during the winter 
that followed he prosecuted his labors in the Seminary and 
in the pulpit, preaching about half the time for Dr. Ramsey, 



336 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

and on Sabbath nights alternately with his colleague in the 
hall of the Seminary. 

Having procured an unimproved lot near the Seminary, he 
took upon himself the cares and anxieties of building in the 
summer of 1849. There was much to be done, and he so 
managed that all was done in a short time, and in good style. 
The result of the undertaking was a most commodious habita- 
tion, with its proj>er appurtenances. As we were returning 
from the meeting of Synod in Xenia, 1851, in a private and 
confidential interview the Doctor told me of one fact in regard 
to his bodily condition, by which I was led to apprehend that 
his earthly tabernacle was breaking down. He preserved, 
however, his usual healthy appearance, and continued to prose- 
cute his work with unabated energy. In the fall of that year 
he took upon himself an additional burden of cares and 
labors. A small congregation on Miller's Run, five miles 
from Canonsburg, called him and his colleague, Dr. Beveridge, 
to be their conjoint pastors ; and Dr. Anderson, in conjunc- 
tion with Dr. Beveridge, accepted the call, and continued in 
the duties involved till near the end of his course. Dr. An- 
derson was in easy, and even affluent circumstances. He was 
not impelled to this undertaking by the necessities of his 
family, nor by the love of filthy lucre, but by a sense of duty 
and the delight he experienced in using his gifts for the ben- 
efit of others. He was well apprized that it was his duty to 
lay out his talents, and not bury them ; and he delighted in 
preaching the word to an humble, attentive people, and in 
circulating among such a people and instructing them around 
their own hearths. 

The writer remembers distinctly of his saying in a private 
interview, not long after the acceptance of that call — " / do 
like to preach." His sense of duty, and the pleasure he found 
in pastoral duties were, then, the principal motives of that 
undertaking. It is probable, however, that he took into view 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 337 

the necessity of exercise in the open air, and thought that 
the exercise demanded by duty in the congregation would 
redound to his advantage. 

Not long after Professors Anderson and Beveridge had 
taken upon them the pastoral care of Miller's Run, the Asso- 
ciate Synod reduced the theological course, which had been 
spread over four years, to three years of two sessions each, 
five months in the winter, as before, and three in the summer. 
This arrangement left to the Professors but little time for 
relaxation. But still Dr. Anderson went on in his course, 
and presented no visible signs of wearing out till August, 
1854, when he was taken suddenly with the usual symptoms 
of gravel, and suffered exceedingly for twelve or fifteen days. 
His complaint was never removed altogether ; but being par- 
tially relieved, he returned, after three or four weeks' confine- 
ment, to the duties of his calling. In October he maintained 
his erect attitude of body and his usual complexion. In Jan- 
uary there was no visible change, except a certain snowy 
whiteness of his forehead and temples, in which, as the writer 
imagined, the sentence of death was legible. In a private 
interview at the time just mentioned, he spoke without reserve 
of his bodily condition, stating that he suffered daily, and 
that his sufferings were at times excruciating, — that the cause 
was not stone, but some other acrid humor thrown upon the 
tender organs. This judgment respecting the nature of his 
ailment was correct. It was at length fully ascertained that 
the immediate cause of his sufferings and death was chronic 
cystitis, attended with irritation and stricture of the urethra. 
How, under these painful circumstances, he preserved his 
composure of mind and energy of spirit, and went on with 
his duties .in the Seminary, I cannot show more distinctly 
than in the language of Dr. Beveridge, who was with him 
daily. " During the last winter of his life," says the Doctor, 
in a letter lately received, " he suffered exceedingly from the 
disease which at last terminated his days, but he persevered 
29 



338 riisTORT or jeefersost college", 

in meeting with the students till the close of the session. 
Their last meeting with him was in his own house ; and their 
general impression at the time was, that it would be the last. 
Towards the close of the winter, he limited himself in these 
meetings to an hour. Frequently, however, some of the stu- 
dents, who were not aware of the nature of his disease, would 
detain him after he had finished his lecture to obtain his 
instructions on some subject which was engaging their atten- 
tion ; and such was his kindness and self-denial, that he often 
allowed himself to be detained so long that when he returned 
to his house he would continue for some time in an agony." 
That in such circumstances he not only attempted his daily 
duties, but persevered and went through them, is a sufficient 
proof that he was possessed of a strong will and an indomi- 
table spirit. As to his method of teaching theology during 
his last and other sessions, Dr. Bevcridge states in the same 
letter : — " That taking Mari's Medulla for the test-book, 
(as his predecessors had done,) he embodied in a series of 
questions whatever he regarded as valuable in the Compend, 
adding when there seemed to be occasion for it, and correcting 
what he disapproved. The written questions and their 
answers did not, however, comprise all his instructions. As 
occasions appeared to require, he enlarged on different sub- 
'ects. This he did especially when he found any point not 
thoroughly comprehended by the students, or when a question 
was raised by any of them respecting some point of doctrine ; 
and these unpremeditated remarks were considered by the 
students as the most valuable of his instructions. His lec- 
tures were greatly esteemed by the young gentlemen for whose 
use they were prepared ; and having been solicited by them 
to give them to the public, he had made some preparation fox 
doing so." It may be stated here, though it be not chrono- 
logically in order, that the portion of Dr. Anderson's lectures 
which health and life did not permit him to review and correct 
for the press, has been re-written by the Rev. T. H Beveridge, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON, 339 

of Philadelphia, and the work is published. The Christian 
community will therefore have the opportunity of judging of 
Dr. Anderson's ability and soundness as a theologian, and of 
'lis aptness to teach. As a copy of the work has not yet 
;ome into the writer's hands, he cannot offer his opinion in 
regard to its merits. But a more competent judge speaks in 
terms of high commendation. " The work," says Dr. Cooper, 
■editor of the Repository, " while it caunot fail to be a very 
valuable guide to theological students, will prove to them, and 
all others who may make use of it, a rich fund of valuable 
and varied information on the doctrines of our holy religion. 
Let no one decline purchasing the work from the fear that he 
may not be able to understand it, or that it is not adapted to 
the general reader. On some accounts it will be found pecu- 
liarly acceptable and useful to private members of the church. 
The interrogatory form which characterizes these lectures, is 
well calculated to arrest attention, and bring out the point 
clearly and distinctly before the mind. We feel rejoiced that 
it has been presented to the public, as we tkink it, on the 
whole, admirably calculated to diffuse throughout the church 
sound Scriptural principles, and to establish our people, and 
all who may read it, in the faith of our holy profession." — 
Eejp. vol. xv., p. 442. 

From this digression we return. It was faintly hoped at 
the close of the session, (March, 1855,) that being released 
from care and fatigue, Dr. Anderson would recover from his 
weakness, and see some years of comfort and usefulness. 
But his sufferings were not abated; and under the genial 
warmth of the dawning summer, his symptoms became more 
aggravated. Having taught others how to live and how to 
die, he was not amazed with horror, nor overwhelmed with 
grief, — he preserved his usual serenity of countenance and 
equanimity of mind. He manifested, however, a lively con- 
cern about eternal things. After hearing his own statement 
about his bodily condition in the month of January, the 



340 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

writer took the liberty of making some remarks about the 
grounds of faith and its happy influence in tranquillizing the 
mind and heart in trying times — observing, among other 
things, that if we had the lively, confiding faith of Paul, we 
would say as he did — " I know in whom I have believed, and 
that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him ; 
I have finished my course, I have kept the faith ; henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," &c. There 
was no thought of being useful to the Doctor, except in the 
way of stirring up his pure mind by putting him in re- 
membrance ; yet he took a lively interest in the conversation, 
and spoke of it in the month of March, regretting that it had 

been interrupted by the coming of , a much esteemed 

friend, whom he said he had never been sorry to see coming 
into his house except in that instance. 

The following statements respecting the exercise of Dr. 
Anderson in preparation for his approaching dissolution, are 
derived from the letter of Dr. Beveridge, extracts from which 
have been already given : — " About four weeks before his 
death, when I rose to leave him he requested me to sit down, 
that we might have some conversation in respect to spiritual 
things, and particularly in reference to death. He stated, in 
substance, that he hoped somewhat for recovery, but thought 
his case doubtful. Among other things which he mentioned 
as yielding him satisfaction as an evidence of the reality of 
grace, was perseverance for a long time in the way of 
righteousness. The righteous shall hold on his way. I re- 
collect, also, that he expressed himself much pleased with 
some remarks I made to him about the determination of the 
will to what is right, even when there may be much disturb- 
ance of the affections, as when a man consents to the amputa- 
tion of a limb, while his whole frame shudders at the thought 
of parting with it; his will is to lose the limb, but his 
feelings are all opposed to his will ; so in crucifying the 
flesh, the will is to give up right hands and right eyes — to 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP DR. ANDERSON. 341 

give up all for Christ, but the affections are often strongly 
drawn in a contrary direction." 

We come to the closing scene, the account of which is 
taken chiefly from a letter of Dr. Beveridge to his son, Rev. 
Thomas H. Beveridge, of Philadelphia, dated the 8th of 
May, 1855 :— 

u Our dear brother, Dr. Anderson, is still living, but no 
one entertains the least hope of his recovery. On the last 
Sabbath of April, nine days ago, he was seized with a chill : 
he was somewhat better on Monday. He continued, how- 
ever, to suffer a good deal on Tuesday and Wednesday. On 
Thursday morning I was sent for : he was supposed to be 
• dying. He recovered somewhat during the day. I called as 
soon as I returned from Miller's Bun, (where I had preached,) 
and found him sinking. On Tuesday I was again sent for, 
about noon, when he was once more thought to be dying. 
Stayed with him that evening and night. He was sensible, 
though not able to do much more than answer questions. 
On Friday, or perhaps Thursday, I asked him if he knew 
that he was dying. He replied that he did. I asked him 
if he found himself prepared to leave the world. His reply 
was that he trusted that he' was ready. About 2 o'clock of 
Saturday morning, Dr. M'Elwee arrived. Dr. Anderson had 
apparently been inattentive to any thing for some time ; but 
as his brother M'Elwee approached the bed, and asked if he 
knew him, Dr. Anderson raised himself up with a sudden 
start, calling out as he did so, ' M'Elwee, M'Elwee, M'El- 
wee !' he threw his arms around him, and drew him down to 
his breast, where he held him till we were obliged to remove 
his hands, to give Dr. M'Elwee his liberty." He seemed 
exceedingly gratified, and was induced to take some water, 
by which the clamminess of his mouth was removed, and he 
was able for some time to speak more distinctly. About 10 
o'clock, Saturday afternoon, he fell into an agony of pain. 
His countenance became distorted, he tossed his head rapidly 
29* 



342 niSTORY OF JEFFERSON college. 

from one side to the other, and flung his arms violently in 
every direction, crying out as he did so, " Oh, me ! Oh, me I 
What shall I do ? What shall I do ? I want strength — I 
want strength — I have no strength I" The writer presented 
himself before his face, and repeated the text, " My grace 
is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weak- 
ness." The Doctor looked up with a steady, pleasant eye, 
and repeated the latter part of the text, " My strength is 
made perfect in weakness." "Yes," said the writer, "trust 
in him, and you will find it so." He made no answer, but 
became calm, and lay quietly till about 2 o'clock in the after- 
noon, when the writer, having the Lord's Supper on hand, 
was obliged to leave. " On Saturday night," continues Dr, 
Beveridge, " his brother William came to see him, and he 
manifested a like gratification, and in the same way, when he 
recognised him. He appeared also gratified to find Dr. 
Hanna and other friends around him. I stayed with him all 
day on Saturday, leaving Dr. Hanna to preach and attend to 
the other services of the day at Miller's Run. On Sabbath 

1 was obliged to leave him, and on Monday also I was at 
Miller's Run. During all this time, and indeed from Thurs- 
day till the present time, his sufferings have been extreme 
beyond any I have ever before witnessed, in intensity and 
duration. They have been such as almost to frighten one in 
relation to the last conflict. I hope, however, it will not last 
much longer. He has swallowed nothing for several days, 
and cannot even bear to have his parched lips wet with 
water. 

"P. S. — 12 o'clock. Dr. Anderson breathed his last 
about half after 10 o'clock, and is to be buried to-morrow at 

2 o'clock. He was sixty-six years of age last December." 
He was accordingly interred, on the 9 th of May, in the 

grave-yard of the Associate congregation of Chartiers, wherein 
his parents and some other relations had been previously laid. 
The company that followed his body to its long home was 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 343 

very large ; and that home, through the affection of his 
family, has been marked by the erection of a rich but modest 
monument of marble. On the front of the shaft is "Ander- 
son," the family name; on the south side of the basis is a 
simple inscription, which announces the time of his birth, 
and the time of his death ; and on the north side is a text of 
Scripture expressive of the hope which animated Dr. Ander- 
son while living, and comforts the hearts of surviving friends 
in regard to his death. The text is that in Rev. xiv : 13 — < 
" Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth ; 
yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; 
and their works do follow them." 

Dr. Anderson's exterior was large, massive, and comely; 
and though large bodies and little souls are often conjoined, 
in this case the glory within was equal or superior to the 
expectations inspired by the outward form. He was able to 
accomplish much in a little time. Though twenty-four years 
of age when he commenced his academical studies, yet in the 
course of a few years he was equal and superior to many 
others who had been prosecuting those studies from their 
childhood. While others studied divinity, he studied divinity 
and medicine, and performed all the tedious duties of Profes- 
sor of Languages in Jefferson College. Tbis mental activity, 
and the fruit of it, much done in a little time, was visible in 
all the different stages of his career. What time he usually 
employed in preparing for the Sabbath I know not ; but if 
an emergency required it, he could collect and arrange the 
materials of a sermon in a very short time. He was not so 
remarkable, however, for the activity of his mental operations, 
as for the compass and extent of his vision. As a man of 
the smallest stature, standing near an ant-hill, can survey it 
on all sides at one and the same time, so he seemed to tower 
above the subject which he had occasion to handle, and to 
view all its different sides at once, with all the objections 
which might be brought against the view which he main- 



344 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

tained. This mounting above his subject was discernible in 
all his public discourses, and frequently in his conversation. 
An elderly man in the South, connected with the General 
Assembly of the Old School, heard Dr Anderson occasionally, 
and compared him to a great bar-shear, which makes a wide 
furrow and buries all the weeds out of sight. 

To a strong, well-balanced mind, were added, in the case 
of Dr. Anderson, a diligent spirit, and the art of gathering 
up fragments of time and bits of opportunity, and turning 
them to some good account. In camp he found time to write 
a little book, though he had not turned his attention to 
literary studies, and wanted all the common conveniences for 
writing. In after life his opportunities were better, and he 
improved them with equal diligence. It does not appear 
that he kept a diary ; but he kept a note-book, in which he 
recorded, with some remarks, any text with which his mind 
was impressed in reading ; and when his reflections did not 
lead him to fix on some particular subject for the Sabbath, 
he had recourse to this storehouse for assistance. 

To an industrious spirit was added the love of order. His 
books and papers were kept in their proper places. The parts 
of his apparel were properly disposed ; and his expenditures 
were not suffered to flow out at random. He noted in a 
little book the incomes and outlayings of a year. At the 
end of the year he marked the paper, and laid it by, and 
began anew. The love of order and convenience was, in 
short, conspicuous in every thing about him ; in his garden, 
yard, and stable, as well as in his dwelling. 

The result of his well-directed industry was riches in 
knowledge : his library was, indeed, not very large ; but 
being of an observing, penetrating mind, and persevering 
spirit, what he studied was well studied. He couid read a 
Latin system of divinity almost as freely as common English. 
He was so familiar with the Greek of the New Testament, 
that in family worship, in his own house, he read the chapter 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 345 

directly from the original text. He had a good acquaintance 
with the Hebrew of the Old Testament, and with ancient and 
modern history, with the principles of our republican govern- 
ment and of the common law. He was a good physician in 
all ordinary cases, and not ignorant of chemistry, nor of 
agriculture or architecture. He was well acquainted with 
human nature ; and knew very generally, before the trial of 
a particular measure, whether it would be borne or rejected 
with indignation. Men of vigorous powers and great learning 
are sometimes destitute of common sense, but it was never 
supposed by any of his acquaintances that Dr. Anderson was 
deficient in that respect. Common sense and prudence were 
conspicuous in all that he said and did. 

Great abilities and rich acquirements are often attended 
with a highly supercilious spirit, that unfits the possessor for 
usefulness in the world. But Dr. Anderson was humble and 
patient. He thought it no degradation to leave his seat in 
college, and ride through the country preaching the gospel 
to the poor and ignorant; and when settled in a pastoral 
charge, he was not above preaching from house to house, or 
visiting the poor' in their affliction. A man whose gifts are 
excellent, may be in a great measure useless through lack 
of the principles that should guide him in the exercise of his 
gifts, and excite him to use them for the benefit of others. 
He may be without zeal for the glory of God and the cause 
of righteousness, and without love for his fellow-creatures. 
But Dr. Anderson was not in this unhappy case. He was 
very zealous for the Lord God of hosts, and towards men he 
was full of kindness. When, in the commencement of my 
ministry, I told him of any difficulty, or discouragement, or 
cause of perplexity, however trifling the thing was, he never 
made light of it, but listened with fixed attention ; and when 
he had comprehended the case, he applied himself to the 
labor of helping me with as much earnestness as if I had 
been his own son. His tenderness was very visible in his 



346 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

intercourse with Mrs. Anderson and his daughter ; and Dr. 
-Beveridge, his colleague in the Seminary, witnesses that 
towards the students he showed all the kindness of a father 
particularly when any of them were under affliction. A. 
first sight his lofty head and stern countenance led me to 
suspect that he was without tender feelings; and that though 
I might esteem, I could not love him. But first impressions 
are often fallacious. " Vei - y pleasant hast thou been unto 
me, my brother. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the 
love of women." Many good men will wound the feelings 
of a friend in pursuit of a jest and a laugh. But Dr. Ander- 
son's tenderness forbade him to do so. 

Some, who are not vicious, will through weakness or in- 
considerateness, reveal what has been communicated to them 
in the confidence of friendship; and those who will niakt 
trouble for their friends intentionally, or inadvertently, ai 
so many in all the walks of life, that the royal preacher 
inquires after a faithful man, and hints that it is hard to find 
such a man. " A faithful man, who can find V Dr. Ander- 
son obtained mercy to be faithful in all his relations. He 
was an intelligent, constant friend, and wise counselor ; and 
the writer has often felt thankful that being such, Divine 
Providence had brought us into contact and fellowship. 

The good qualities already noticed, were enhanced by 
honesty and sincerity. Too many magnify whatever they 
have occasion to speak of, but his communications were yea, 
yea, nay, nay; and whether he commended or faulted, his 
words were the just exponents of his thoughts. If he had 
offered a measure to the Presbytery or Synod, and a brother 
offered something better, he would abandon his own measure 
and maintain the substitute. He did nothing through strife 
or vainglory. He never spoke that others might hear how 
well he could speak, nor continued to harangue and reason 
for the sake of victory. He was, no doubt, pleased to possess 
the esteem of his fellow-men, but direct attempts to win 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 347 

popular favor, his honesty and sense of dignity would not 
allow him to make. He was free from that ambition which 
is ever striving to shine with such lustre as to throw all 
others into the shade, and from that bitterness of soul which 
gives birth to envy. If a brother in the ministry succeeded 
in riveting the attention of the people more closely than he 
had done himself, Dr. Anderson was not made restless and 
uneasy, nor stirred up to speak disparagingly of his brother, 
but rather to praise and thank the Most High for bestowing 
such gifts on men. To this nobleness of spirit, Dr. Beveridge, 
his colleague in the Seminary and in the pastorate of Miller's 
Run, bears witness, stating in a letter lately received, that 
some of the people of Miller's Run preferred Dr. Anderson, 
and some himself — that Dr. Anderson noticed their prefer- 
ences, and spoke of them in private interviews with as much 
indifference as if he had been no way interested. 

Weight was given to Dr. Anderson's instructions, public 
and private, by his habitual gravity. He was indeed affable 
and cheerful, and could laugh heartily when there was a just 
occasion. But by nature or grace, or both combined, he was 
estranged from levity. His speech was very generally 
seasoned with salt, and good to the use of edifying. I recol- 
lect but one laughable story of his telling, and that bore some- 
what against himself. 

He was lodging with a worthy pair of elderly Scotch people 
in Sterling congregation, Iredell county, North Carolina, on 
the night before the sacramental fast. He spoke duving the 
evening of the snd declension of religion, and as an instance 
noticed the utter disregard of fast days by many ; and the 
general neglect of every thing like fasting, by many who 
profess to sanctify the day. It did not occur to him to state, 
as was his belief, that on a day of fasting, worshipers should 
not indulge in table comforts as on other days, but take 
merely a little of something plain and simple, for necessary 
sustenance. The morning having come, he walked out to a 



348 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

grove, and spent an hour or more in prayer and study. He 
returned, expecting to be invited to the breakfast table, but 
was asked to lead in worship. Worship being over, he sat 
for some time and conversed with the head of the family. 
He went to the grove again, tarried a good while, and re- 
turned, confidently expecting that a frugal repast was in 
readiness for him. But instead of that the horses were 
saddled for going to the church, and the old lady had adjusted 
her bonnet and shawl. As soon as he entered the house, she 
accosted him very kindly, saying — " Now, Mr. Anderson, it 
is too much to go all day without eating any thing at all : 
having to preach two sermons, you will faint before you arc 
through with them. Will you not have a little of some- 
thing ?" He replied — " To be sure I will, if I can get it." 
So she laid off her bonnet, and in a few moments invited him 
to a cold repast. While relating this bit of his experience, 
the Doctor laughed very heartily. It was not, however, a 
vain story. All may easily learn from it that the man of 
God should rightly divide the word of truth, showing what 
is right and proper, as well as that which is reprehensible 
and to be avoided. 

That persons who have not had the happiness of seeing Dr. 
Anderson in the pulpit may have some idea of him as a 
preacher, it is necessary to state that though he was large 
and strong, his bodily organization was such that he could 
only speak in a conversational tone. His pronunciation being 
distinct, he was nevertheless heard with ease in a large 
assembly. It must be stated further, that he had one mental 
peculiarity : while his memory was grasping and retentive 
of ideas, he had less ability than the generality of men to 
remember and repeat sentences. At the commencement of 
his ministry he wrote his sermons at full length, as young 
ministers of the Associate Church generally do j but it took 
him a whole week to commit a sermon, and after so much 
labor he was hampered in the delivery. He concluded, after 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 349 

a few trials, that if he could not preach except in this way, 
it would be necessary for him to abandon the ministry. The 
plan on which he fell, was that of writing down the heads 
and particular divisions, with a few sentences under each 
division indicating the line of illustration to be pursued. In* 
this way he preached with more ease and comfort, and in this 
way he continued to preach. Frequently, indeed, he wrote 
his sermon at full length ; but in preparing to preach it, he 
did no more than make himself familiar with the line of 
thoughts ; and thus, while the matter was premeditated, the 
language was extemporaneous. 

It may be stated further, that in taste and judgment, Dr. 
Anderson was opposed to ornate discourses and rhetorical 
flourishes in the sacred desk. He often quoted, with ap- 
probation, the famous lines of Cowper : — 

" What, will a man play tricks ? Will he indulge 
A silly, fond conceit of his fair form, 
And just proportion, fashionable mien, 
And pretty face, in presence of his God ? 
Or will he seek to dazzle me with tropes, 
And play his brilliant parts before my eyes, 
When I am hungry for the bread of life ? 
* -s * * * $ * 

I seek divine simplicity in him 

Who handles things divine ; and all beside, 

Though learned with labor, and though much admired 

By curious eyes, and judgments ill informed, 

To me is odious." 

While, therefore, Dr. Anderson's preaching was, as to the 
matter, solid and rich, in respect of the language and style 
of delivery, it was very plain and simple. Epithets were not 
piled upon epithets, nor one bright comparison upon another. 
His hearers were not amused with graphic descriptions of 
persons and scenes, nor astonished at times with a torrent 
of diction and feeling. He was not flippant nor drawling, 
but flowed with an evenly tenor, as the clear stream of a 
80 



350 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

prolific fountain. His able thoughts flowing immediately 
from his own mind, and enforced by the countenance of 
sincerity itself, generally commanded the attention of hearers 
though the words were plain, and perhaps Jbr that very reason. 
In the body of his sermon, what he ever aimed at was to 
manifest some point of truth, or to refute some error, and his 
arguments were plain and cogent. In the conclusion he 
appealed to the consciences of his hearers, and appealed con- 
science itself to the tribunal of the great Judge ; and these 
appeals were always solemn, and often very impressive. 

His many excellencies were more conspicuous on the floor 
of Synod than in the pulpit. In a time of a heat and excite- 
ment, his calm, dignified mien, and gentle voice, were as oil 
qn the troubled waters. When darkness brooded over the 
Assembly, many not able to see the point at issue, his cool, 
judge-like statement of the matter, and plain arguments in 
behalf of the truth, were often as a bright light kindled up 
in a dark place. He was eminently fitted for the chair of 
Didactic and Polemic Theology. His great intellectual ability 
and solid learning, his dignity of appearance, and constant 
propriety of conduct, his condescending kindness and patience, 
made him all that could be desired in that important post. 

It need scarcely be added that he was a man of piety; for 
what is Christian piety but the harmonious meeting of those 
fruits of righteousness which we have been contemplating ? 
Of his sincere piety there are many other evidences besides 
that evidence which he mentioned himself to Dr. Beveridge 
as one that afforded him some consolation. Only two of the 
many shall be specified. He loved the truth of the gospel, 
and stood by it in the face of opposition and reproach ; and 
he loved the word of truth — the Holy Scriptures. When the 
writer had accepted of a pastoral charge in the Presbytery of 
the Carolinas, though our dwelling-places were thirty miles 
apart, he proposed that we should meet once a month for 
reading a portion of Scripture, and offering such remarks as 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. ANDERSON. 351 

might occur to us, or we should he ahle to collect; and it 
appears that he bound himself to read so much of the word 
daily in private as would serve to take him quite through in 
the course of the year. His great sufferings in the close of 
his life are no sign or proof that he was not right in heart 
with God. Christ came to his beloved disciples in a storm, 
and they were exceedingly distressed ; and we are informed 
in the word of truth that grace is given to every one to profit 
withal ; that is, to be exercised to the glory of God and the 
benefit of others ; and how could the excellent graces, faith, 
courage, and patience, be exercised and made manifest with- 
out some very sharp trials ? Mr. Boston says : — " It is very 
rare, I suppose, that any of God's children have something 
more than ordinary about them to their advantage, but they 
get something more than ordinary to try them. Of all the 
patriarchs there was not one that had more divine manifesta- 
tions, or so many as Jacob, nor so many and great afflictions 
either. Of all the sons of Jacob there was none so highly 
raised and useful as Joseph, and none so afflicted. Heman 
was a man of more than ordinary reach, and so of afflic- 
tions." — Completed Works, vol. vi., p. 650. What the writer 
saw himself of the terrible agonies of Dr. Anderson, (bodily 
agonies, for they were confined to the body,) led him to these 
reflections at the time. It is the lambs which the Good^ 
Shepherd gathers with his arms and carries in his bosom, and 
therefore " Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, nor 
the mighty man in his power;" he will be apt to need all 
the wisdom and power which he possesses, and perhaps more. 
I was convinced, too, of the perfect folly of deferring pre- 
paration for death till death comes, and made in a manner 
to hear the word sounding from Heaven, "If the righteous 
scarcely be saved, where shall the wicked and ungodly ap- 
pear?" Heaven is sometimes called rest; and if the Doctor's 
released spirit went to heaven, as is confidently hoped, how 



352 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

sweet was the perfect rest, and how light and trifling do 
all the labors and torments of the way now appear ! 
John xvi : 21, 22. 

That this imperfect exhibition of the life and character of 
one of the precious sons of Zion may serve to stir up some 
others to follow him even as he followed Christ, is the earnest 
desire and prayer of the writer. 

W. M. M'Elwee. 



MEMOIR 



OF THE LATE 



REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY, A. M 

Professor of Mathematics and Natural History in Jefferson College, 
from April, 1S30, till his death, December 15th, 1840. 



BY THE LATE REV. M. BROWN, D. D. 

President of Jefferson College. 



[ First published in connection with a sermon delivered in the College Chapel, 
December 21th, 1S40, and printed in Pittsburgh, 1811.] 



Rev. John H. Kennedy was descended from a very respect- 
able and pious ancestry. James Kennedy, Lis grandfather, 
emigrated from Ireland, and settled, first in New Jersey, and 
afterwards in Pequa, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where 
some of the family still reside. Rev. Robert Kennedy, the 
father of the deceased, has been for many years in the minis* 
try, and has sustained a very high standing among his breth- 
ren, for talents, learning, and respectability. In the full 
vigor of body and mind, he still lives to mourn the loss of 
his beloved son. 

John Ilerron, Esq., the maternal grandfather, lived and 
died on " Herron's Branch," Franklin county. Of his nume* 
rous family, the only survivor is Francis Herron, D. D., who 
was the eldest child. At the house of this venerated grand- 
father, John H. Kennedy was born,. November 11, 1801. 
His mother (Jane Herron) was, in the mysterious providence 
of God, removed by death, when John, her eldest son, was 
eighteen months old. After the death of his mother, he lived 
30* (3533 



354 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

in his grandfather's family until his fifth year. During this 
period his health was very delicate, and little hope was enter- 
tained that he should attain to manhood. His recollections 
of his grandfather, and his residence in his family, were of 
the most pleasing kind. It was, he remarks, his " vale of 
Tempe ;" and the time spent there, his " Saturnalia." About 
the close of his fifth year he was taken home by his father, 
who had married a second wife. He was early sent to school, 
but was not so fond of study as of play, and especially such 
sports as required vigorous exertion. These, though often 
exposing him to danger, and sometimes to injury, contributed 
to that remarkable health which he enjoyed until the last 
year of his life. 

In his ninth or tenth year he commenced the Latin gram- 
mar with his fathor, under whose instruction he studied the 
Latin and Greek languages. 

Living in a retired place in the country, and without any 
young associates and class-mates to stimulate him, he had 
great aversion to study, and attended to it as an irksome task 
until his fifteenth year. 

As to his religious views and feelings during this period, 
he had not experienced any special religious impressions ; but 
being favored with careful religious instruction, he was 
restrained from vicious excesses, was sometimes thoughtful, 
and generally conscientious in an external observance of the 
Sabbath, and religious institutions. He states that he does 
not remember ever to have told a lie in his life ; nor was he 
ever guilty of profaneness, in the common acceptation of the 
term— so important and powerful is the influence of early 
religious instruction, even while the heart is devoid of all holy 
principles, and entirely destitute of all relish or taste for 
spiritual things. In his fifteenth year his father removed 
from Franklin county to Cumberland, in Maryland, where he 
took charge of an academy, and was at the same time pastor 
of a congregation. There he was introduced to new scenes, 



MEMOIR OP REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 855 

and exposed to new and various temptations, from witnessing 
profaneness, Sabbath-breaking, and various forms of vice and 
dissipation which prevailed in the place. These influences 
would have proved ruinous had he not experienced the 
restraints of a religious education ; and though prevented from 
going to the same vicious excesses as others, yet he suffered 
great injury from these unhallowed influences. He became 
"hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." "For the 
space of two years," he writes, " I wholly restrained prayer 
before God, repined at parental authority, and was regardless 
of almost every thing but self-gratification." 

We now come to a period of his life somewhat peculiar, 
" This," he remarks, " was the period when I may almost say, 
' after the straitest sect, I lived a Pharisee.' " Like other 
sinners, he had often purposed to amend " at some more con- 
venient season," but did not mean to commence so early and 
£0 vigorously as he now was constrained to do. 

He was in his sixteenth year when " this twilight of the 
day-spring from on high" commenced. Immediately after 
going to bed, a powerful impression was made on his mind, 
with regard to the danger of his condition. This alarm was 
not occasioned by any particular sin, recently committed j but 
by a sense of the guilt and clanger of prevailing thoughtless- 
ness and irreligion. The necessity and nature of repentance 
seems not to have occurred ; but the conviction was irresisti- 
ble, that he must amend, and -that without delay. The duty 
of immediately resuming prayer, which he had so long 
neglected, was presented to his mind, but he concluded it 
would be safest to reform first, else his prayers would not be 
acceptable. " Such," he adds, " were my reasonings and 
resolutions j such my entire ignorance of my own helplessness 
and depravity ; and it may be well asked, ' can any good thing 
come out of an experience, in its commencement, so much at 
variance with every feature of true piety V The resolutions 
formed did not pass away, as ' the morning cloud and early 



356 HISTORY OF JEFFEttSON COLLEGE. 

dew ;' for God was verily here, though I knew it not, and had 
erected no altar to his praise." The reformation contemplated 
continued, and was extended much further and deeper than 
was at first anticipated, " though the light he had was like 
moon-light, devoid of heat, and which casts a disheartening 
gloom over whatever it partially illuminates." In the midst 
of all this darkness conscience was faithful at its post, and 
increasingly so, as he obtained more light and clearer views 
of the divine law in its spirituality and extent. Whilst he 
had no "delight in the law of God, after the inner man," 
but rather an increasing opposition to its strictness and purity, 
still he was constrained by the power of conscience to relin- 
quish every practice with regard to which he entertained any 
misgivings, although it cost him a terrible struggle, and 
brought him to his knees before God. 

November, 1818. About the close of his seventeenth year 
he became a student of this college. This was a very inter- 
esting period of his life. Whilst the greater part of the stu- 
dents here at that time, as they generally have been, and we 
hope always will be, were religious, or moral, it so happened, 
owing to some previous acquaintance, his first associates were 
of a very different character. Among them was one who was 
suddenly killed by a stroke of lightning, at the instant of his 
uttering the language of daring profanity. His wild asso- 
ciates endeavored to dissipate all his serious impressions ; but 
no solicitations could induce him to engage in immoral prac- 
tices. His inclination and purpose, before he came to college, 
was to be a lawyer ; but his conscience now began to rendei 
him uneasy at the prospect of the temptations he should havf 
to encounter in that profession. 

He had not, as yet, openly professed religion by partaking 
of the Lord's Supper. He had designed to do so at a future 
period ; but it was deferred, not from any sense of unfitness— 
for he had great confidence in his supposed piety — but felt 
reluctance to make so public a separation from the world. 






MEMOIR OP REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 357 

At times he felt considerable uneasiness from those solemn 
declarations of Christ — "Whosoever shall be ashamed of me," 
&c. — Mark viii : 38. Referring to this in his notes, written 
some time after he entertained a hope of a saving change, he 
remarks, " I am now astonished how I could evade this strik- 
ing declaration, while living in express opposition to it, and 
still flatter myself that I was a Christian. Yet such is the 
blindness of the heart till Jesus makes it wise." And he 
concludes some very judicious and penitential reflections on 
his case, as follows : " My case was, in many respects, more 
hopeless than that of any wretched sinner I ever read of. 
For though I had never gone to ' the same excess of riot/ as 
many others, yet I believe T never heard or read of one so 
completely, and for so long a time, and apparently so hope- 
lessly deluded as I was during that time. Nothing now in 
my past history, or even in that of the world, convinces me 
more fully of the power of God than the fact that I now feel 
myself to be a sinner ; for though my sense of my sinfulness 
is still slight, yet I can pray, in some measure, with meaning, 
' God be merciful to me a sinner.' " 

After he was some months at college, he determines to 
change his lodging, and his associates. He obtains boarding 
with Dr. Ramsey, (then residing a short distance in the coun- 
try,) now Professor of Theology in the Associate Theological 
Seminary. For this venerable father and his family he 
always entertained a very high regard. Here he was removed 
from many temptations, and was rigidly punctual in attending 
to religious duties, in private, in the family, in the social 
prayer-meeting, and the house of God. Here, too, he was 
happily associated with Joseph Trimble, as his room-mate — a 
fellow-student of devoted piety and faithfulness, who appears 
to have been a principal instrument in his conversion to God. 

March, 1819. The Lord's Supper was to be administered - 
in Dr. M'Millan's church, where the students usually attended. 
His friend Trimble, mentioning the names of some of the 



358 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

applicants for admission, and stating their religious experience, 
with which he had made himself acquainted, took occasion to 
make a direct and personal appeal to his young friend. He 
expressed to him his doubts with regard to his self-righteous 
hopes, and his fears that he was under a dreadful delusion, 
and still in " the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity." 
The arrow was carried to his heart. Never before did the 
possibility of deception occur to him, though the same truths 
had been frequently presented under the searching and pow- 
erful ministry of Dr. M'Millan, and others. His friend urged 
the point of his danger and guilt in rejecting the Saviour, 
and concurring with the Jews in "murdering God's only Son." 
These expostulations awakened indescribable emotions, and 
" drew from him a flood of tears." 

He felt that he must admit some of the charges, yet sup- 
posed that his friend was ignorant of the fakhful manner he 
attended to secret duties. Still he felt himself in awful dan- 
ger. Hell appeared infinitely dreadful. Sure work seemed 
to be absolutely necessary. He prayed with more frequency 
and earnestness ; but his perplexity and distress remain. The 
arrows of God stick fast in his soul. 

About this time he went to Washington, seven miles dis- 
tant, where the sacrament was to be administered. He went 
in company with a number of pious students, several of whom 
had left Washington on account of difficulties that had 
occurred in reference to the college, but still retained a warm 
attachment to the congregation, where some of them had been 
born into the kingdom of Christ. This praying band fre- 
quently visited Washington, and especially on sacramental 
occasions, delighted to mingle with kindred spirits in pouring 
out their souls in prayer and praise, in the social prayer-meet- 
ing, and in the public sanctuary. 

The account of this visit, and his exercises on the occasion, 
I give in Mr. Kennedy's own words : " I went to Washing- 
ton, &c. My ears were now open ; I heard several awakening 



MEMOIR OP REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 359 

sermons. I staid with Mr. Brown, then pastor of Washington 
congregation, now President of Jefferson College. I heard a 
good deal of conversation on religion. Some remarks on the 
responsible situation of clergymen's children, were principally 
made at me, and even personally applied to me. These I 
felt, but answered not. The agency of the Spirit of God was 
spoken of. I wondered what this meant ; and I now suppose 
that, although I had often read of him, and been told of him, 
yet in reality I never before so much as thought ' whether 
there was a Holy Ghost.' While at Washington I was very 
miserable. I suspected some change to be necessary — what, 
I knew not, and yet was desirous of bringing myself to it. 
I had recourse to frequent prayer ; not so much to seek the 
blessing of God, as from a notion of the transforming efficacy 
of prayer. I began to look upon myself as under conviction, 
and supposed that the time which had already elapsed, and 
the anxiety which I had undergone, ought to have brought 
matters to a favorable issue. I still wanted the payment of 
a debt, and not the bestowment of grace. I strove hard to 
make to myself a new heart and a right spirit ; ignorant still 
of the life-giving spirit." While he was thus "like a help- 
less captive, sold under the power of sin" — a prisoner — envel- 
oped in darkness — blind with regard to the method of relief — 
trusting to his own righteousness, and his own efforts, and 
not to the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy 
Ghost, the Lord " was leading him by a way he knew not." 
By this painful process he was teaching him more of hi3 
guilt, depravity, and utter helplessness, and the folly and 
wickedness of trusting to his own righteousness, his morality, 
his prayers, his religious observances, his resolutions, his 
convictions and his own unavailing efforts. In this way the 
awakened sinner, while still in the "gall of bitterness" — 
nothing better by his convictions, but growing worse and 
worse every hour — is by an unseen power driven from his 
refuges of lies— taught by his own experience the wickedness 



360 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

of his heart, and his utter helplessness. Thus cut off from 
every other hope, and despairing of all created help, he is 
brought to the foot of the cross, and enabled to say from the 
heart, 

"A guilty, weak and helpless worm, 
On thy kind arms I fall : 
Be thou my strength and righteousness, 
My Jesus and my all." 

After returning to Canonsburg in this distressing state of 
mind, and after going to bed, the declaration of the Saviour to 
Zaccheus — " This day is salvation come to this house," Luke 
xix : 9 — was brought to his mind with great force, and his 
mind dwelt upon it with delight, as a certain evidence that he 
was now an heir of glory — and probably some will be ready 
to say, surely this is the time of his deliverance, the hour of 
his conversion to God. But oh the deceitfulness of the heart, 
and the subtile wiles of the adversary ! His hopes and joys 
from this source were all a delusion of Satan, " transformed 
into an angel of light." He was soon mercifully delivered 
from a delusion, by which many are ruined forever. He soon 
discovered that a mere suggestion of a text of Scripture, 
unaccompanied by a change of heart, and the appropriate 
fruits of holiness, is no better evidence of acceptance with 
God than the cast of a die, or the " flight of birds." 

After continuing some days in the same state of anxiety 
and bondage, it occurred to him " not to work harder, but to 
believe and depend on Christ for acceptance." This dawn 
of light, which soon vanished, seems to have been the first 
view of the plan of salvation which had ever entered his 
darkened mind.. A few days after he remarks, " that he 
degenerated in works, without growing in faith," until restored 
by the monition of his friend Trimble, who watched over him 
with prayerful concern. 

Some days after he awoke in the morning in a very pleasing 
frame of mind : " I had a view of God's glory, to which I 



MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 361 

was before a stranger ; all nature seemed to be directed by 
an omnipotent, unerring hand. The doleful melancholy 
which had brooded over me so long vanished in an instant, 
and I was enabled to ' rejoice that the Lord God omnipotent 
reigneth.' " 

That this was the dawning of spiritual day he seems him- 
self to have entertained some doubt, as the glory of Grod in 
Christ was not then distinctly the object of contemplation. But 
there is reason to believe, from subsequent experience, that 
this was indeed the " star of Bethlehem," although this pleas- 
mg calm was afterwards beclouded, and his views of a Saviour 
md the plan of salvation very obscure, and he might be said 
\o " see men as trees walking." Yet there is little doubt that 
*t was the dawn of the sun of righteousness ; and although 
regeneration is an instantaneous change, and the precise 
moment difficult to be ascertained, yet with regard to the 
evidence of it, and the work of sanctification, this is progres- 
sive, and admits of various degrees, from the first dawning ray 
to the full blaze of noon. 

At the close of the winter session, 1819, Mr. Kennedy 
returned home to Cumberland. Here, in the midst of his 
old acquaintances and companions, he felt himself as a lonely 
stranger, without the sympathy of kindred spirits, and rather 
pointed at by the finger of scorn. He was very conscientious 
in the discharge of known duty, which cost him sometimes 
painful sacrifices. His father was absent, at Philadelphia, 
attending the General Assembly; and he conducted family 
worship for the first time, not without a painful conflict. 
Although delivered from that deep distress which he had 
formerly experienced, and though evidently growing in humil- 
ity and the knowledge of himself, his sinfulness and weakness, 
yet he had not those clear and comforting views of a Saviour, 
by which he could rejoice in him with confidence as " all his 
salvation and all his delight." At this stage of his expe- 
rience he found one individual in Cumberland who, in the 
31 



862 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE, 

sovereign providence of God, was directed to " teach hira the 
way more perfectly." This was a pious German, now an 
elder in the Presbyterian Church. This man, who had him- 
self tasted of the " wormwood and the gall," understood his 
disease, and directed to the proper remedy. " Oh," said he, 
(with the German accent,) "it is good to feel the ivickedness 
of the heart. We ought to be thankful that God has showed 
it to us. It is just what the apostle says in the 7th chaptef 
of Romans : ' He then preached to him Christ and him cru- 
cified, as the end of the law for righteousness.' " From thi? 
time his views of the mediation of Christ, and of acceptance 
though him, were much altered, and his spiritual prospects 
proportionably brightened. He now enjoyed peace with God, 
and at length attained an " assurance of faith," which was 
seldom interrupted. At this time he was admitted to the 
communion of the church. At what particular time he expe- 
rienced regeneration he could not say — he believed it took 
place before his admission to the Lord's Supper. He remarks : 
" What I can principally say on this point is, ' that whereas 
I was blind, now I see.' " 

On his return to college, the gloom which had brooded over 
him so long was dispelled : he became more sociable and 
cheerful — felt a warmer love for Christians, and a more ten- 
der concern for impenitent sinners — took an active part in the 
prayer-meeting — attended to his duties as a student with dili- 
gence and success. Wisdom's ways were ways of pleasantness. 
During his whole course at college he sustained a high stand- 
ing as to talents and scholarship, and graduated with honor, 
May, 1820. 

I have dwelt the longer on the religious experience of Mr. 
Kennedy, because it is in some respects remarkable, and in 
itself peculiarly instructive and searching; and because it 
appears to have been his desire that this part of his history 
should be useful and instructive to his family and friends, 
and the occasion of solemn warning and self-examination 



MEMOIR OP EEV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 363 

and hence in the biography of himself, which he commenced 
hut did not finish, his experience is that which he has given 
most in detail. 

The subsequent years of his life, though furnishing much 
that is interesting, must be glanced at with more brevity. 

The summer of 1820 was spent at his father's, in general 
reading, and in efforts to do good, as he had opportunity. A 
Bible Society was commenced ; also a prayer-meeting, of 
which we may be sure the honest German was an important 
member. Towards the close of the summer there was a pow- 
erful and extensive awakening in Cumberland and the vicinity. 
The immediate instruments were Nicholas Patterson, a licen- 
tiate from the Presbytery of Baltimore, and John Gloucester, 
a colored man, a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, 
much respected by all classes for his talents and usefulness, 
and his modest, unassuming piety. Prior to the visit of these 
ministers, which was providential, serious impressions had 
been made on the minds of many, no doubt in answer to 
prayer, and by other instrumentalities. These impressions 
were now increased and developed : " One soweth and another 
reapeth ; and in both cases the glory should be given to God, 
jtnd not to man. A narrative of this revival was published 
some time after by Mr. Kennedy, and extensively circulated. 

In October, 1820, he started for the Theological Seminary 
at Princeton. On his way he tarried some time in Franklin, 
among his friends and acquaintances, and endeavored to 
improve his visits by faithful personal conversation with 
individuals. His youthful zeal, which probably was not 
always regulated by prudence and a correct knowledge of 
human nature, gave great offence. He soon found that " old 
Adam was too strong for young Melancthon." Persons alto- 
gether unaccustomed to such plain dealing, denounced him 
as an enthusiast and a meilwdist. It is not pleasant to 
persons destitute of true piety, and yet relying with self- 
complacency on an outward form or profession, to have their 



364 HISTORY OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

repose disturbed by honest appeals calculated to destroy their 
delusive hopes. Hence the charge against faithful reprovers, 
as the " troublers of Israel." 

November, 1820. He arrived at Princeton, where he 
studied the regular term of three years. To this period he 
always reverted with endearing recollections. He commenced 
his theological studies with diligence and success, and was 
soon distinguished by his talents and acquirements. 

In the fall vacation, on his return home, he was taken 
under the care of Carlisle Presbytery. He revisited his 
friends, who had been offended with his former plain dealing, 
and endeavored, not without success, to remove some of their 
prejudices. Among the various incidents which occurred 
while at Princeton, he has recorded the death of a dear young 
brother, (Turner,) to whom he was much attached, and whom 
he expected to be his companion and fellow-laborer as a 
missionary. The following I find in his notes : " When the 
hand of death was evidently upon him, the brethren were 
called into his room, and he was strengthened to utter a few 
sentences. 'I go/ says he, 'to the world of spirits. Be 
more faithful than I have been ; and may the Lord make 
you instrumental in tearing down the strongholds of sin and 
satan.' He had trusted his salvation on Christ in life, and 
'none but Jesus' was his cry in death. He bade them all 
farewell — shook hands with the professors and his physician, 
expressing his thanks for their kindness. Prayer was offered 
and a hymn sung. The scene was solemn and affecting — to 
see seventy young men, with the professors and physician, all 
melted in tears." This case, and that of another student, 
(Krebbs,) dying in the triumph of faith, seemed to disarm 
death of his terrors.^ " No event," says he, " ever disarmed 
death so much of his terrors to me. The same effect I find 
was produced on the minds of others." 

During the winter or spring of 1821, he visited Morris- 
town, New Jersey, where a powerful revival had commenced, 



MEMOIR OP REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 365 

which pervaded the whole country. This visit was profitable 
to himself, and useful to others. His own experience quali- 
fied him for being a safe and useful adviser to anxious souls, 
to guard them against the various refuges and delusions 
which he had himself experienced. 

October, 1822 — He was licensed to preach the gospel — 
aged twenty years and ten months. Deeply impressed with 
the responsibilities of the work to which he was to be devoted, 
he set apart a day for fasting and prayer, a duty which he 
often practiced in the succeeding years of his life. After 
his licensure to preach the gospel, he continued his studies 
another year at Princeton. 

During his residence at Princeton he was frequently har- 
assed with doubts, which he had never entertained, even in 
his former impenitent state. These doubts respected the 
very foundations of religion, the truth of the Scriptures, and 
even the existence of God. They were exceedingly distress- 
ing, and of long continuance. They did not arise from any 
want of arguments in support of the truth. These he con- 
sidered conclusive ; and the objections against these great 
fundamental truths he considered of no weight in point of 
argument, and yet he was often greatly distressed on account 
of his want of a pleasing, satisfactory conviction of the truth. 
It did not, indeed, influence his conduct, but interrupted his 
comfort. It was plainly a device of the enemy ; and after 
conversing with Dr. Alexander, he found that the difficulty 
was not to be removed by mere argument, or by the exercise 
of his own reasoning alone, but by the effectual application 
of the truth to his heart by the mighty power of God. In 
this way he sought and found relief, and was never afterwards 
troubled with these doubts. During his last year at the 
Seminary, the doctrines denominated Hopkinsian were fre- 
quently the subject of warm discussion. In these discussions 
Mr. Kennedy took an active and decided part, in opposition 
to what he believed erroneous in these doctrines. A debate, 



366 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

prepared at that time on the subject of the atonement, was 
afterwards published in the first volume of the Christian 
Advocate. Its admission into that periodical by the venerable 
editor, Dr. Green, is no slight evidence of its intrinsic ability 
and excellence, though written by one who had just arrived 
at the years of manhood. In an intellectual point of view 
these discussions were of service to him ; and whilst he con- 
tended for what he believed important truths — being a 
Calvinist of the real old school — it did not alienate his 
affections from his brethren who differed from him. 

The following is from notes written soon after leaving 
Princeton, September, 1823 : 

"Our exercises before and at parting were very affecting. 
While sitting with my dear brethren at the last communion 
season, I thought affectingly of our Lord's declaration, Matt. 
xxvi : 29 — ' I will not henceforth drink of this fruit of the 
vine (with you) until that day/ &c. At our last Saturday 
evening prayer meeting, I asked a full and hearty pardon of 
all, whose feelings I might at any time have injured. We 
had a truly melting time. To all my brethren I was sincerely 
attached ; and no diversity of sentiment could wean me from 
those in whom I perceived so much of the divine nature. I 
sincerely seek and love and defend the truth, but can love 
and rejoice in all those who maintain and adorn the leading 
features of the gospel. Of my brethren in the Seminary I 
can sincerely say, 

' In such society as this, my willing soul would stay.' 

Towards my class-mates I had feelings of peculiar regard— 
with whom a three years' intercourse made me well 
acquainted." 

Leaving the Seminary in the fall of 1823, he intinerates in 
different directions about eighteen months. He preached for 
some time in Bedford, and TJniontown, Pennsylvania ; 
traveled through some of the Western States j visiied Madi- 



MEMOIR OP HEV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 367 

son, in Indiana, where no doubt he took occasion to weep 
over the grave of his friend Trimble. 

He traveled also to the South, and preached for some time 
at Wilmington and Fayetteville, North Carolina. In the 
month of April, 1825, he again arrives at his father's, who 
had now returned to his former residence, in Franklin county. 
In the summer he visits Philadelphia — preaches in the Sixth 
Church, as a supply, for three months — receives a call from 
that congregation, and was ordained and installed as their 
pastor, November, 1825, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. 

Previously to his settlement in the Sixth Church he had 
been appointed chaplain, to go out in the Brandywine, the 
government vessel, appointed to carry La Fayette back to his 
native land. This appointment was by some means prevented 
from reaching him until after his installment. Had he re- 
ceived it sooner it might have given a new direction to the 
current of his life. 

His settlement in Philadelphia was unsought, as it was 
unexpected, by himself. The station was one of great 
importance and responsibility for so young a man. The 
Sixth Church grew out of a division of the old Pine Street 
Church, of which Dr. Alexander had been pastor when called 
to Princeton. On the settlement of Dr. Ely, this division 
took place, and the Sixth Church was formed. It contained 
a large portion of intelligence, piety and respectability ; but 
its location in the vicinity of other churches, and certain 
pecuniary embarrassments, were unfavorable to its growth. 
It had become vacant by the resignation of Dr. Neil, who 
had accepted a call to the Presidency of Dickinson College* 
After laboring a year in this congregation, and discouraged 
at his prospect of usefulness, he determines to resign his 
charge. The Presbytery meet, and with the concurrent 
desire of the congregation, persuade him to remain. His 
intention was at this time to have gone to Liberia ; and he 
often expressed his regret that he yielded to the advice to 



868 history or Jefferson college. 

remain in Philadelphia, as he remarks that he then "had a 
burning zeal in behalf of Africa— such as he never felt in 
behalf of any other object." In 1828 he was married to 
Miss Harriet McCalmont, of Philadelphia, whose intelligence, 
piety, and accomplished education, qualified her eminently 
for being to him a prudent counselor and cheering companion. 
December, 1829, at his own request, his connexion with the 
Sixth Church was dissolved, having continued their pastor 
four years. During this period he discharged the duties of 
his office with ability and faithfulness. The visible fruits 
of his ministry were not equal to his desires, and hence his 
frequent discouragements, which resulted in his resignation ; 
yet his labors were blessed to the edification of Christians, and 
a goodly number added to the church. The charge of a 
congregation in a city is one of great responsibility and 
hazard, especially to a young man ; yet was Mr. Kennedy 
enabled to sustain a high and increasing reputation among 
his brethren, and the intelligent part of the religious com- 
munity, as an able, lucid and instructive preacher of the 
gospel. It is known that he stood very high in the estima- 
tiou of his venerable patron and friend, Dr. Green, who 
occupied a pew in his church, and sat with delight under the 
ministry of his young friend. 

His connection with his congregation was dissolved, 
December, 1829. He now commits himself to the providence 
of Grod, without any definite object or plan as to future 
settlement. He is urged to make a tour to Missouri, with a 
view of settlement at St. Charles, and accordingly leaves 
Philadelphia with that intention. The severity of the season 
prevents him, and he is detained in Franklin county. A call 
is prepared for him from the congregation of Newville — one 
of the largest and wealthiest in Carlisle Presbytery. At this 
crisis, being uncertain and anxious as to the path of duty, he 
sets apart, as was his frequent custom, a day of fasting and 
prayer, to seek divine direction. It was the 11th of March, 



MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 369 

1830. It is worthy of observation that on the evening of 
this same day, altogether unexpected to him, he received a 
letter from this place, inquiring as to his views in relation to 
a professorship in this college, in connection with the charge 
of a small congregation, about five miles distant. 

He was at first startled at the proposal of a Professorship 
in Mathematics, for which he considered himself less qualified 
than for any other department. On further consideration, 
with the hope that by diligent exertion he might be prepared 
for the service, he is inclined to accept. He visits this place 
in May, receives and accepts the appointment from the col- 
lege, and a call from the congregation of Centre. He returns 
to Philadelphia, and arrives here with his family, and enters 
on the duties of his profession, June, 1830. 

Professor Miller, in view of whose resignation, on account 
of age, the appointment was made, still continued to officiate 
for some time. This afforded opportunity for Mr. Kennedy 
gradually to prepare himself for conducting the departments 
of Natural Philosophy and Mathematics, which he was ena- 
bled to do with great credit to himself, and to the entire 
satisfaction of all concerned. After the division of the 
departments of Natural Science and Mathematics, and the 
appointment of a distinct Professor for the latter, he devoted 
himself more exclusively to Natural Philosophy and Chemis- 
try, in which he greatly excelled. 

His life and history during his residence among us for ten 
years is known to us all, and need not here be detailed. 

As an instructor, he was thorough, discriminating, accurate 
and lucid in his illustrations. As a member of the faculty, 
he was energetic, faithful, fearless, and always ready to share 
the responsibility of discipline and government. 

As a preacher, he was instructive, solemn, searching and 
forcible. 

As a pastor, he was laborious and faithful. 



370 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

As a writer, he was characteristically lucid, simple and 
concise. "Multum in parvo" appeared to be his motto in all 
his productions. He wrote with great facility, and furnished 
for " the periodicals" a number of essays, which do him great 
credit. 

His talents were various, and in some respects of a high 
order. He had more of the intellectual than the aesthetic — 
more of argumentation than poetry, in his composition — more 
of the instructive than the pathetic. There was one pecu- 
liarity in which he was defective. There was something in 
the construction of his mind which led him to attach undue 
importance to little things, as though he viewed them through 
a magnifying glass. This induced him sometimes to give a 
prominence to smaller matters, and to press the weaker points. 
This was noticed while he was a student at Princeton, and has 
been noticed in some of his literary productions. This con- 
stitutional peculiarity had no doubt an influence also in his 
worldly plans, which induced him to engage in various 
schemes and enterprises, which his friends considered rather 
unwise and visionary. 

His manner was not always the best. There was something 
in this which at times had the appearance of harshness and 
severity. He was remarkably honest and faithful in testify- 
ing against sin, wherever it appeared. He seemed habitually 
to act on the principle, " thou shalt not hate thy neighbor in 
thine heart. Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, 
nor suffer sin upon him." It is not surprising, therefore, 
that he sometimes gave offence. Still it may be questioned 
whether offences of this kind are not to be charged to the too 
general unfaithfulness in this respect of professors, Christians 
and ministers, rather than to a want of prudence on the part 
of the faithful reprover. 

Mr. Kennedy was a man of great benevolence and liberality. 
This feature of his character was not generally understood. 



MEMOIR OF REV. JOHN H. KENNEDY. 371 

In his worldly transactions he was exact ; and perhaps some- 
times too particular in smaller matters. But when proper 
objects of benevolence were presented, no man amongst us 
was more liberal, according to his means. Besides the public 
contributions, in which he was always among the first, he 
performed many acts of private liberality, unknown to the 
world. 

Finally. — Considered as a Christian, " the highest style of 
man," I need add nothing to the narrative already given. 
His soul-searching experience, his prayers and fastings, his 
conscientiousness and stern integrity, his self-denial, his stead- 
fast faith on the righteousness of Christ, his abhorrence of 
sin, his desires and endeavors after holiness, and habitual 
aim to glorify God, gave " lucid proof" of sincere piety while 
he lived, which was confirmed in his death. 

His health began seriously to decline last winter. A jour- 
ney to the East during the summer proved unprofitable, and 
he returned home to die in the bosom of his family. He 
looked forward to the hour of his death without dread. Still 
he clung to life ; and although with regard to himself he had 
no fears, and could say, "to be with Christ is best;" yet 
when he looked around on his wife and little children, and 
the prospect of leaving them exposed and unprotected in such 
a world as this, he greatly desired to live. At length, how- 
ever, he was enabled with sweet acquiescence to commit the 
precious charge to Him who said, " Leave thy fatherless chil- 
dren ; I will preserve them ; and let thy widows trust in me." 

His old enemy did not fail to assail him in his weak state, 
and when near the close of his life, with doubts as to the founda- 
tion of his hope. These, however, were soon dispelled, and 
he afterwards enjoyed uninterrupted calmness to the last. 
A few clays before his release he spoke of his departure with 
great composure and confidence. When the weather per- 
mitted, he was usually taken out in a carriage. On return- 



372 HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

ing, a day or two before his death, he said that was his last 
ride : in his next remove he " would be carried by angels into 
Abraham's bosom." On the 15th of December, in the thirty- 
ninth year of his age, he died without a struggle, and " sweetly 
fell asleep in Jesus." He has left behind a venerable father 
and beloved brothers and sisters to mourn — but they ought 
not to mourn as those who have no hope. He has left a 
beloved wife and five young children ; but the God of the 
widow and the fatherless, to whom they have been committed 
in faith, will provide for them. The legacy of their father's 
pious example, his counsels and his prayers, is of more value 
to his children than all the treasures of the world. 



APPENDIX 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

After this work was placed in the hand of the printer, a 
very interesting document, containing a careful and elaborate 
inquiry respecting the first movements in the cause of classical 
and scientific education west of the mountains, was sent to us 
by its highly respected author, Prof. Robert Patterson, of 
Oakland College, Mississippi. We doubt not that it will fully 
meet the wishes of those who still adopt the current traditions 
on this subject, and who have felt aggrieved that any attempt 
has ever been made to call them in question. After the 
reader has bestowed upon it a careful perusal, we respectfully 
ask him to hear what we shall submit in reply. 



WHERE WAS THE FIRST LITERARY INSTITUTION WEST 
OF THE MOUNTAINS? 

Not four score years hare yet elapsed since the first humble hall of learn- 
ing was erected in the great Western Valley, and already has it become a 
subject of dispute, what spot is entitled to the honor of being regarded as its 
site? The fact itself is a forcible exemplification of the facility with which 
the Present forgets its obligations to the Past. 

Three institutions only have been named, so far as the writer is aware, as 
competitors for this honor : established, respectively, by Rev. Joseph Smith, 
of Buffalo; by Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, of Ten Mile; and by Rev. John 
M'Millan, D. D., of Chartiers — all three congregations in Washington county, 
Pennsylvania. 

1st. The first of these, that of the Rev. Joseph Smith, was undeniably in 
existence in 1785, as appears from a memorandum of Rev. Joseph Patterson, 
" Old Redstone," page 81, and probably continued until 1787 or 1788. There 
is no evidence that it was in existence either anterior or subsequent to the 
poriod named. Neither has any direct ovidence been brought to the notice 
of the writer, to establish the fact that the Latin and Greek languages were 
taught at all in this institution. The object of Mr. Smith appears to have 

n (373) 



374 APPENDIX. 

been mainly, if not exclusively, to furnish a theological education. Such is 
the opinion expressed in a letter to the writer, by Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley, 
who was well acquainted with Mr. Smith's pupils, and a school-mate of some 
of them at Rev. Mr. Dodd's school ; who states that he never heard Mr. 
Smith's school spoken of as a classical school. A similar opinion was 
expressed to the writer by Mrs. Harper and Mr. John M'Millan, children of 
Rev. John M'Millan, D. D., who had frequently heard their father and others 
speak of Rev. Mr. Dodd's as a classical school, but never of Mr. Smith's 
as such. 

This minor point may perhaps have no relevancy to the question more 
immediately under examination, and indeed this character of Mr. Smith's 
school seems to be admitted on page 146 " Old Redstone ;" as also in the 
same paragraph the priority of Mr. Dodd's school to Mr. Smith's is distinctly 
conceded. If this view be correct, the question will bo narrowed down to 
the consideration of the rival claims of the seminaries of Mr. Dodd and of 
Mr. M'Millan. 

2d. It is stated, " Old Redstone," page 145, that the building occupied by 
Mr. Dodd as an academy was erected in 1781, and (page 146) that "here, 
in 1782, began the first classical and scientific school in the West." 

In this connection may be introduced the following extract from the letter 
already referred to from Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley, dated June 2d, 1854 : 

"My parents, when I was eight years of age, imbibed the notion that I 
was pious, and sent me to the school of the prophets, which was kept in a 
large log house erected for the purpose, some fifty steps from Mr. Dodd's 
dwelling. It was sufficiently large for three or four beds, with room for 
tables, &c. I was sent there to live with Mr. Dodd and to study Latin, in 
A. D. 1782, and remained there till 1784. The Latin students then with Mr. 
Dodd, were James Hughs, John Brico, Robert Marshall, Francis Dunlavy, 
John Hannah, Daniel Lindley, David Smith, (father of Rev. Joseph Smith, 
D. D.,) Robert Marshall, Jr., (son of Col. James Marshall, of Buffalo,) and 
Jacob Lindley. Mathematical students, Daniel McParland, Joseph Eddy, 
Thomas Stokely, and Thomas Gormly. All boarded with Mr. Dodd. Others 
were there for short seasons and left. Mr. Dodd never taught a common 
English school in Pennsylvania. Mr. Joseph Smith's school was a theologi- 
cal school, as I always understood from the young men above named, the 
most of whom were members of Mr. Smith's church. I certainly never 
heard of a Latin school of Mr. Smith's. 

" In the latter part of 1785, as I think, Mr. Dodd sold the farm where his 
school was, and moved into his lower congregation. I suppose Mr. Dodd's 
Latin students went and studied theology under Mr. Smith, viz : Hughs, 
Marshall, Hannah, David Smith, and perhaps Dunlavy. Mr. Joseph Patter- 
son studied theology partly under Mr. M'Millan, and partly under Mr. 
Smith. He never studied Latin or Greek. 

" At the time, a little before or a little after, Mr. Dodd's school broke up, 



THE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 375 

Mr. M'Millan took in a number of students for the ministry. I do not per- 
sonally know so much about them. 

" From the time I was eight years old, no amusement could divert my 
attention from the conversation of my father and the ministers, when on the 
subject of religion and ministerial education. All is in memory, as nails 
driven in a sure place. But to proceed. 

" I have said Mr. M'Millan's classical school succeeded that of Mr. Dodd. 
Somo time in December, 1785, by the united influence of tho members of 
Redstone Presbytery, a chartor was procured for an academy in Washington, 
with a donation of 5,000 acres of land. Of the Trustees appointed, were 
Rev. Messrs. M'Millan, Dodd, Smith and Clark, of the Presbyterian Church, 
Rev. Matthew Henderson, of the Secession, and John Corbley, of the Bap- 
tist Church : also, Judges Edgar, McDowell, Allison, &c, &c. Messrs. Dodd, 
Smith and M'Millan were the movers in tho plan. From the time of that 
charter, Mr. M'Millan and others sot head and shoulders to build up a semi- 
nary in Washington. A unanimous appointment was made of Mr. Dodd to 
commence literary operations there. As there was no house built for the 
purpose, the commissioners offered the court-house to teach in. Mr. Dodd 
would consent to leave his congregations but for one year; and then some 
other one whom the Trustees might provide, was to take his place. This 
being agreed upon, Mr. Dodd entered on his appointment on the 1st of 
April, 1789. At the end of the year, as the Trustees had not yet succeeded 
in obtaining another teacher, Mr. Dodd remained three months longer. Mr. 
David Johnston succeeded Mr. Dodd. In the winter, after Mr. Johnston 
look charge of the academy, the court-house was burned down, and Mr. 
Johnston was taken to Canonsburg, The inhabitants of Washington, at that 
lime, had but little piety, science or liberality to build a house or sustain a 
literary institution, and none to sustain a preacher. Through tho perseve- 
rance of Mr. M'Millan, and the liberality of Col. Canon, a lot was given, 
moneys advanced, and Canonsburg Academy was built in short order. Dr. 
M'Millan turned his scholars into it; some of Mr. Johnston's came from 
Washington ; some from Pittsburgh, and other places, and Canonsburg was 
respected as the literary depot of the West. It was with no small reluctance 
that Dr. M'Millan withdrew his patronage from Washington ; but when com- 
pelled to do this, he turned his gigantic might to Canonsburg. He ought 
to be considered as the God-father — the Almus Pater of Jefferson College." 
It would appear from the account above given that Mr. Dodd's school was 
commenced in 1782, continued till 1785, and then closed upon his change of 
residence ; nor is there any evidence that it was ever resumed. No one has 
contended that the election of Mr. Dodd, nearly four years afterwards, to 
tho post of Principal of the Washington Academy, as being at the time the 
most available man for that position, and with a distinct stipulation on his 
part that the appointment was only temporary, to enable the Trustees to 
"secure a permanent teacher, — there being also no transfer of a school — in 



376 APPENDIX. 

any wise constituted that academy the lineal descendant of Mr. Dodd's 
school ; nor is it easy to conceive upon what principles of succession any 
such claim of connection could be maintained. If it be affirmed that the 
teacher constitutes the school, then Mr. Dodd's mantle, which must have 
descended upon his successor, Mr. David Johnston, was by him transferred 
to the Canonsburg Academy in 1791. 

It is proper to remark that the account given by Rev. Dr. Lindley of the 
close of Mr. Dodd's connection with the Washington Academy diners from 
the one given in " Old Redstone," page 147 ; inasmuch as Mr. Dodd's return 
to Ten Mile seems to have preceded the destruction of the court-house by 
fire, and not to have been a consequence of that catastrophe. Dr. Lindley, 
as Dr. M'Millan had done many years before, assigns for the temporary sus- 
pension of the Washington Academy, and the location of a similar institu- 
tion in Canonsburg, another cause than the conflagration of the court- 
house. 

The result of our inquiries thus far appears to be that Mr. Dodd's school 
was commenced in 1782, was continued till 1785, and then closed; that Mr. 
Smith's school was commenced in 1785, was continued until 1787 or 1788, 
and then closed ; and that the Washington Academy, which had been incor- 
porated September 24th, 1787, was opened in 1789, closed temporarily in 
1791, and its teacher transferred to the Canonsburg Academy. It only 
remains to investigate the claims to priority of the school taught by Rev. 
Dr. M'Millan. 

3d. Before introducing any evidence in rogard to the last-named institu- 
tion, it may be proper to apprise the general reader that the prevailing opinion 
in the neighborhood of the school itself and at Jefferson College, so far back 
as the writer has been ablo to trace it, has been that, about the year 1780, 
Rev. Dr. M'Millan commenced a classical school at or near his residence ; 
that he was then, or soon thereafter, assisted in conducting the same by Hon. 
James Ross, then a young man, afterwards, during the administration of 
Gen. Washington, a distinguished Sonator of the United States,- that with 
perhaps some intermissions tho school continued until it was merged in tho 
Canonsburg Academy, in 1791. More recently, three opinions have been 
broached : 1st. That Dr. M'Millan's school was not commenced till after 
1785, upon the disruption of Mr. Dodd's school; 2d. Perhaps not until 1788, 
upon the discontinuance of Mr. Smith's school; 3d. That if there was a 
school at Dr. M'Millan's, taught either by himself or by James Ross, prior 
to 1785, it was only an English, and in no sense a classical one. The sub- 
stantiation of any one of these hypotheses would establish the priority of 
the classical school at Ten Mile. They may therefore be classed under o---j 
general head, and the evidence for and against them respectively be consi 
ered together. 

In support of these more recent opinions, in regard to Dr. M'MillaD 
school, may bo adduced — 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 877 

1st. The ovidence of Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley, who states, in the extracts 
quoted above, that Dr. M'Millan's school succeeded that of Mr. Dodd. 

2d. The impressions of Rev. Dr. James Carnahan, as contained in a letter 
to the writer, dated June 3d, 1854, of which the following extract contains 
all that is relevant to the present point : 

"I have no personal knowledge of Dr. M'Millan's school in the 'Log- 
Cabin.' All I know is from reports heard when I was at school at Canons- 
burg. Part of the time I boarded at the same house (Patrick Scott's) with a 
young man who had lived for several years in Dr. M'Millan's family, and 
managed his farming operations. Tbis man's name was Wilkins. He was 
from the same neighborhood east of the mountains with Dr. M'Millan. 
When I knew Mr. Wilkins, although above thirty years old, he was learning 
Latin with a view to the gospel ministry. As his progress was slow, he gave 
up his books and resumed his former occupation. 

" The statement of this man respecting the Hon. James Ross, who taught 
school in the log-cabin, was, that he was the son of a pious widow lady in 
moderate circumstances, in the place of Dr. M'Millan's nativity ; that her 
early wish and prayer was that her son should become a minister of the gos- 
pel ; that she sent him to a grammar school ; that when he had made con- 
siderable proficiency in Latin and Greek, and was nearly of age, with the 
idvice and consent of his mother, he crossed the mountains and directed his 
steps to Dr. M'Millan's. As there was no school in the neighborhood, Mr. 
M'Millan built a small log-cabin near his residence, and engaged Mr. Ross 
to teach his own and his neighbor's children, while at the same time Mr. 
Ross continuod his studies in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, under the 
direction of Mr. M'Millan. From the statements of Wilkins, the impression 
made in my mind was that Mr. Ross taught an English school. I have no 
recollection that Wilkins named James Hughs, John Brice, R.obert Marshall, 
and others, as learning Latin or Greek with Mr. M'Millan. Some of them, 
and Samuel Porter, were spoken of as roading theology under the direction 
of Dr. M'Millan. 

"My friend, the late Dr. M. Brown, has given another version of the school 
taught by Mr. Ross. He speaks of James Ross as an accomplished Latin 
and Groek scholar, and as having taught these languages in the 'Log-Cabin.' 
During my residence at Canonsburg from 1793 to 179S, I never heard Mr. 
James Ross spoken of as an accomplished classical scholar. As a man of 
uncommon talent, an eminent lawyer and an elocpaont advocate, he was 
highly and justly celebrated. This reputation he had obtained before 1793. 
This fact renders it probable that ho taught in the 'Log-Cabin' before 1785. 
Yet I have no means of fixing the precise date. Dr. Brown may have had 
good authority for stating that James Ross taught the first Latin school west 
of the mountains. My impressions to the contrary were received from Mr. 
Wilkins, and while at Canonsburg I novor heard a different statement. Your 
father is perhaps the best living witness in regard to the origin of Latin 

32* 



3?8 APPENDIX. 

schools west of the mountains. He had nearly finished his Latin and Greek 
studies when I went to Canonsburg, and went, I think in the autumn of 1794, 
to the University of Pennsylvania." 

3d. The fact, as stated in " Old Redstone," page 77, that " the records of 
the Presbytery of Redstone show that there were no licentiates under their 
care, who had received their previous scholastic or theological training from 
Dr. M'Millan," till after the discontinuance of Mr. Smith's school, " and 
that all the first ministers had received their instruction either from Mr. 
Dodd or Mr. Smith." Further, that if there was such a school at Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's, prior to 17S5, in which young men were instructed in languages and 
sciences, it is strange that "not one of them can now be found, and there is 
no mention of such in the minutes of the Presbytery." 

4th. The evidence of Mrs. Irwin, (" Old Redstone," page 77,) an aged lady, 
now residing near Marysvillo, Ohio, who was between twelve and fifteen years 
of age, and resided near Mr. Smith, during the continuance of his school. 
Mrs. Irwin states " that in 1785 Mr. Smith opened a school for assisting and 
training young men for the gospel ministry ; that this was the first movement 
made for preparing young men for the ministry ; that there was no such 
school at this time at Charticrs, nor until after the one at Buffalo was discon- 
tinued ; that Mr. McGready came to the school from Dr. M'Millan's, with 
whom he had been living, not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm." 

5th. The evidence (" Old Redstone," page 78,) of Rev. Dr. Cephas Dodd, 
of Amity, Pennsylvania, son of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, who states that " there 
Was an agreement made between Mr. Smith and Mr. Dodd, by which they 
engaged alternately to superintend the education of certain young men who 
had the ministry in view," and of this number that " Messrs. James Hughs, 
John Brice, Robert Marshall, John Hanna and David Smith, were with Mr. 
Dodd from about 1783 to 1786, and for the remainder of the time with Mr. 
Smith," but "were never under the tuition of Dr. M'Millan;" and that 
" others, as Messrs. Patterson, McG-ready, and Porter, were instructed solely 
by Mr. Smith." 

6th. The letter of Dr. M'Millan to Dr. Carnahan, dated March 26th, 1832, 
("Old Redstone," page 79,) in which he enumerates Messrs. Patterson, 
Hughs, Brice, McGready, Swan, Porter, Marquis, and McPherrin, as all of 
the second set of ministers, who wero raised up in this country ; which enu- 
meration, taken in connection with what is above stated, has been considered 
as corroborative testimony. 

7th. The authority of an original manuscript of Dr. M'Millan in the pos^ 
session of the author of " Old Redstone," (see page 192,) in which the Doctor 
mentions Messrs. Hughs, Brice, McGready and Porter, " as his first scholars" 
■ — and as part of the material with which his school began ; showing that 
" this school, which Dr. M'Millan collected, consisting of these young men, 
as he expressly states, could not possibly have begun until after 1785," inas-- 
much as they had been with either Mr. Dodd or Mr. Smith beforo that time. 



THE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 379 

8th. A memorandum of the Rev. Joseph Patterson, cited in "Old Red- 
stone," page 81, to the following purport: "In the fall of 1785, being 
thirty-three years old, it was thought best, with the advice of the Presbytery 
of Redstone, that I should endeavor to prepare for the gospel ministry. 
There being no places of public education in this country, I, with a few 
others, studied with the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo congregation, Wash- 
ington county, Pennsylvania." 

9th. An extract from the letter of Rev. Robert Patterson to Rev. Dr. M. 
Brown, October 1st, 1816, as follows, (" Old Redstone," page 81.) " Between 
17S0 and 1790, and chiefly in the latter part of those ten years, some of the 
few Presbyterian clergymen living west of the mountains in Pennsylvania, 
were in the habit of giving instruction in tho languages and scionces to 
young men, whose object in their studies was tho gospel ministry. The Rev. 
Messrs. Joseph Smith and John M'Millan were distinguished in their devo-> 
tion to this cause," «fcc, &c. 

The above enumeration exhausts the arguments, so far as they have como 
to the knowledge of the writer, which would tend to show that Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's was not the first classical and scientific school in the West, if a classic 
cal school at all. It may perhaps be well before advancing any reasons fof 
nn opposite opinion to review the foregoing as briefly as possible, and endeavor 
to ascertain how much there is of direct and positive testimony in all that 
has been adduced. 

In the first place, the evidence of Rev. Dr. Lindleyis perhaps the strongest 
and most direct. Ho is positive in regard to the clearness of his recollection 
since his eighth year, or since 1782, and affirms that Mr. M'Millan took in a 
number of students for the ministry about the time that Mr. Dodd's school 
closed : but adds that he has little personal knowledge in regard to thein J 
and it will be seen that he makes no profession of any personal knowledge 
or recollection of events prior to 1782. There does not appear therefore to 
be any necessary conflict between this statement and tho fact, if such fact be 
hereafter made to appear, that Dr. M'Millan's school was established before 
that time. There may have been intermissions in Dr. M'Millan's school ; 
and that portion of its existence of which Dr. Liudley had some personal 
knowledge, was subsequent to, or coincident with the close of Mr. Dodd's 
institution. To ropresent Dr. Lindley as affirming positively that Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's school had no existence whatever at any time prior to 1785, would not 
only be subjecting his language quoted above to a most violent and arbitrary 
construction, but would be representing him as affirming that to be true of 
which he denies any special personal knowledge, and for the contrary of 
which explicit testimony will be horeafter adduced on the part of those who 
enjoyed better opportunities for acquiring information. If this view of the 
case be not correct, it only remains fur tho reader to reconcile, on some other 
hypothesis, the reminiscences of Dr. Lindley with those of other equally 
competent witnesses, to be noticed hereafter. 



o80 APPENDIX. 

In the second place, the evidence of Rev. Dr. Carnahan is professedly of 
a derivative character. Mr. Wilkins, the source of Dr. Carnahan's impres- 
sions, had been a laborer upon Dr. M'Millan's farm ; but it does not appear 
at what time, nor what opportunities he possessed for acquiring information ; 
facts important to be known before we can estimate the proper weight of his 
testimony. The period to which our attention is directed was some ton or 
fifteen years previous to the acquaintance of Dr. Carnahan with Mr. Wilkins; 
and the residence of the latter on the farm of Dr. M'Millan may have been 
long subsequent to the departure of Mr. Ross. It does not even appear that 
Mr. Wilkins affirmed that either Mr. Ross or Dr. M'Millan did not teach the 
languages; but only that such was the impression produced on the mind of 
Dr. Carnahan from the statements made. That this impression may have 
been erroneous, or the author of it mistaken, no one, upon proper evidence, 
would more readily admit than the venerable Dr. Carnahan himself. 

A doubt seems to be expressed as to the character of Dr. M'Millan's school, 
whether the languages were taught at all; but this question is set at rest by 
the published letter to Dr. Carnahan himself from Dr. M'Millan, in which he 
expressly states that he gave instruction in Latin and Greek. If Mr. Wilkins 
produced an erroneous impression in this particular, he may have been 
equally inaccurate in other respects. The precise proficiency of Mr. RoS3 
in the classics is a side issue, not immediately relevant to the question now 
under consideration, and may be dismissed. 

In the third place, the records of the Presbytery of Redstone simply show 
that Messrs. John Brice and James Hughs were received on trial, as candi- 
dates for the ministry, August 15th, 1786; Messrs. Joseph Patterson and 
Jam$s McGready, April 17th, 1787; and others, in like manner, at subse- 
quent times. The records in no instance stato under whose instruction the 
candidates respectively were. It is difficult to comprehend, therefore, in 
what manner these records of themselves can he made to throw any light 
upon the question under examination. They simply show the dates at which 
certain young men were received as candidates, and they do not appear to show 
any thing more. 

If it be agreed that the silence of the records in regard to any candidates 
prior to August loth, 178G, proves that there could have been no school at 
Dr. M'Millan's for such candidates before that time, the circumstance proves 
too much; as it would equally follow for the same reason, that there could 
have been no such school at Mr. Dodd's prior to that time ; which would bo 
contrary to the admitted fact. And if this mode of reasoning is therefore 
clearly inapplicable to Mr. Dodd's school, with still loss justice can it be 
applied to an earlier school, whoso pupils, like thoso of Mr. Dodd, were not 
sufficiently advanced in their studies to submit themselves to an examination 
by Presbytery ; more especially if the opinion be correct, that Dr. M'Millan's 
school was in existence for more than a year before the Presbytery of Red- 
stone was organized. 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 381 

As to the statement, that of the pupils of Dr. M'Millan prior to 1785, " not 
one of them can now bo found," evidence will be submitted presently to 
show who a number of them were. Were it impossible, however, after the 
lapse of more than seventy years, now to designate with certainty a single 
pupil, that circumstance would not of itself be conclusive that there had been 
no such school. The present discussion has furnished abundant evidence to 
show how rapidly the memory of persons and events fades from the minds 
of men. 

In the fourth pilace, the evidence of Mrs. Irwin, who states explicitly that 
Mr. Smith's school, in 17S5, was " the first movement made for preparing 
young men for the ministry," is directly and irreconcilably in conflict with 
the fact that such a movement was made by Mr. Dodd throe years before; 
and accordingly the author of " Old Redstone" has very handsomely (page 
146) abandoned the false position which this testimony of Mrs. Irwin had 
led him to assume. Her statement that "there was no such school at Char- 
tiers until the otie at Buffalo was discontinued," is at variance with tho tes- 
timony of Rev. Dr. Lindley, cited above, who states that Dr. M'Millan's 
school was in existenco " at the time when Mr. Dodd's broke up, a little 
before, or a little after." Her testimony in regard to Mr. McGready, that ho 
had been living with Dr. M'Millan, and that, too, as a laborer, and not as 
a student, is pointedly contradicted by the testimony of Mrs. Harper, the 
oldest child of Dr. M'Millan, who stated to the writer that Mr. McGready, 
whom she well remembers, lived with Judge M'Dowoll, but studied Latin 
with her father, and taught an English school for him, which school Mrs. 
Harper herself attended, having learned to read from Mr. McGready ,• and 
that he never worked as a laborer for her father, unless in kindly giving his 
assistance in attending to the stock during her father's occasional absence. 
Mrs. Irwin's testimony in the same particular is contradicted by the evidence 
of Mrs. Park, the daughter of Judge M'Dowell, who, without any knowledge 
of Mrs. Harper's testimony, stated to the writer that she distinctly remem- 
bered Mr. McGready as living at her father's, studying Latin there, and 
going to Dr. M'Millan's to recite. It is equally at variance, in this particu- 
lar, with the recollection of Rev. Dr. Cephas Dodd, who is also strongly of 
tho impression, as he states in a letter to tho writer, that Mr. McGready was 
a student of Dr. M'Millan's, though he has inadvertently expressed himself 
to the contrary in " Old Redstone," page 79 — a very pardonable inaccuracy, 
which yet occasioned no little uneasiness to Dr. Dodd. It is also worthy of 
remark, in the same connection, that in about eighteen months after Mr. 
Smith's school commenced, Mr. McGready, whose name does not appear on 
any list of Mr. Dodd's pupils, and who, according to Mrs. Irwin's testimony, 
had been heretofore a farm-laborer, presented himself to the Presbytery as a 
candidate for the ministry, ("Old Redstone," page 350,) was examined in 
logic, moral philosophy, Latin and Greek, — his examinations all sustained, — 
and an exegesis assigned for the next meeting — "An sit concursus Dei cum 



382 APPENDIX. 

omnibus hominum actionibus ?" — and all these attainments, we are asked to 
believe, were made in less time, after the student left the piongh, than would 
be requisite to qualify him, even with diligent study, for admission to the 
Freshman class of any respectable college at the present day. In fact Mr. 
McGready was licensed in about fifteen months afterwards. One of three 
things will be readily admitted : either that the standard of classical attain- 
ment in the Presbytery of Redstone was not of a very exalted character, or 
that Mr. McGready acquired knowledge with a facility which does not often 
fall to the lot of mon ; or that Mrs. Irwin must have been mistaken in affirm- 
ing that he had not been a student with Dr. M'Millan. Nor could it fail to 
be matter of surprise, were it indeed true, that Dr. M'Millan had permitted 
a young man of undoubted piety and talent, brought from North Carolina 
and placed under his care expressly to be fitted for the ministerial office, in 
which his labors wore afterwards so abundantly blessed, to remain for years 
without instruction, engaged in the menial labors of his farm. 

But it is perhaps a waste of words to discuss the credibility of this testi- 
mony any further, since the author of " Old Redstone" has himself so entirely 
set it aside, when it came in conflict with the obstinate fact of the existence 
of Mr. Dodd"s school; and if that fact had passed from Mrs. Irwin's memory, 
still more easily might the recollection of a yet earlier school escape, if she 
wore oven aware of events that are believed to havo occurred at a time when 
she was, according to her own showing, about five years of age, and at a 
place from which she was some ten or fifteen miles distant. It is unnecessary to 
say that no one will for a momont suppose that Mrs. Irwin would willfully 
misstate facts of which sho had either personal or indirect knowledge; but it 
is impossible to escape the conclusion that either she, or others who have 
been named, must have failed in their recollections ; and to which side the 
balance of probability inclines, the reader will decide for himself. 

In the fifth place, it will be seen on examination of tho evidence of Rev. 
Dr. Dodd, that he simply mentions the naines of certain persons who were 
not pupils of Rev. Dr. M'Millan, which is not at all inconsistent with the 
fact, if it be made to appear, that there were other persons who were his 
pupils. He has expressed his conviction, as remarked above, that he was 
in error in regard to one of them; and it is probable, as will hereafter 
appear, that he was also in error in regard to others. It is due to Dr. Dodd 
to state that he remarks in a letter to the writer, dated May 17th, 1854, that 
that he "was too young and too far distant to know anything personally of 
Dr. M'Millan's school." 

In the sixth place, in his published letter to Dr. Carnahan, Dr. M'Millan 
nowhere states who were his first pupils, neither does he specify who were 
his pupils at all, nor fix the year in which his school commenced. It is f 
matter both of surprise and regret, that in a letter so full of dates, he shoul* 
have omitted the one most interesting of all, and that he did not by a stroke 
of his pen set the question now under discussion at rest forevor. 



THE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 383 

In the seventh place, if the " original manuscript of Dr. M'Millan" is one 
which has never been published, it is greatly to be regretted that the author 
of " Old Redstone" has not given it to the world. It is impossible for the 
public to form any intelligent judgment respecting tho contents of a docu- 
ment they have never seen, the extracts from which are given in imperfect 
sentences ; and this is all that can bo said of it. 

If, however, the document in question is a transcript of the letter to Dr. 
Carnahan, referred to above, as the similarity of the phraseology in the 
extracts (" Old Redstone," pages 79, 80, and 192,) would seem to indicate, 
a re-perusal of that letter cannot fail to convince our candid and valued 
friend that he has possibly misconceived its import. In one part of his let- 
ter, Dr. M'Millan states that he had collected a few young men, whom he 
taught the Latin and Greek languages; and that some of them became 
useful, and others eminent, ministers of the gospel. In another part of his 
letter, entirely unconnected with the former, he states that he had survived 
"all tho second set of ministers who were raised in this country," and enu- 
merates them. Is there any law of construction by which, on collating these 
two passages, Dr. M'Millan can bo mado to affirm that these ministers were 
" his first scholars ?" that "his school began with them?" Where does, he 
" expressly state that his school consisted of these young men ?" And what 
becomes of the allegation that somo of these students were never his pupils 
at all ? It is in perfect harmony with Dr. M'Millan's language to suppose 
that one or two of the persons named were among his earlier pupils, though 
the school may have contained a number of students who never became 
ministers ; and that others on the list he enumerates may have been his 
pupils at various times during the entire progress of his school. This is a 
much more natural and probable view of the case than the one presented by 
the construction which has been placed upon these passages, if this be indeed 
the manuscript referred to, and does not conflict with positive testimony soon 
to bo considered. 

In the eighth place, the force of Rev. Joseph Patterson's memorandum 
(which bears date Pittsburgh, May 15th, 1822,) depends upon the meaning 
he attached to the term "public education." It is probable that he was 
comparing the humble seminaries of the time of which he wrote, with the 
mone imposing ones of the time at which he was writing. He could not 
have meant that there were not, or had not been, other private schools like 
that of Mr. Smith, which he was attending ; for it is admitted that there had 
been one at Mr. Dodd's; there may therefore have been another at Dr. 
M'Millan's. 

In the ninth place, the extract from the letter of Rev. Robert Patterson, 
appears to indicate his impression, to the existence of which tho writer of 
this can also testify, that the educational efforts of tho various Presbyterian 
clergymen west of the mountains, had commenced as far back as 1780. Now, 
the school of Mr. Smith wa3 not commenced until the latter part of 1785 ; 



884 APPENDIX. 

and that of Mr. Dodd was commenced in 1782. This extract therefore does 
not preclude, but rather favors the supposition that Dr. M'Millan's school 
was prior to Mr. Doetd's. 

If the patience of the reader has not been already exhausted, he is invited 
to examine the evidence which may be furnished in support of the correct- 
ness of the more commonly received, and, until recently, the undisputed 
opinion that Dr. M'Millan's was the first Latin school in the West. 

1st. The first place in the order of testimony is evidently duo to that of 
Dr. M'Millan himself. In his published letter to Dr. Carnahan, already 
more than once referred to, (Pitts. Chr. Herald, Dec. 14th, 1833,) he gives 
a sketch only too brief of his life and times, which bears every appearance 
of a design on the part of the venerable writer to relate events in their 
regular chronological order. Commencing with his earliest years, and he 
even apologizes afterwards for not having given the date of his birth "in 
the proper place," he traces up his history until the arrival of his family at 
Chartiers, of the circumstances attending which he gives a rather minute 
description. The mention of his wife in this connection naturally leads him 
to anticipate his narrative so far as to give the date of her death, in 1819. 
He then resumes his history in the following manner : 

'' When I had determined to come to this country, Dr. Smith* enjoined 
it upon me to look out for some pious young men, and educate them for the 
ministry; for, said he, though some men of piety and talents may go to a 
now country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up others, the coun- 
try will not be well supplied. Accordingly I collected a few who gave evi- 
dence of piety, and taught them the Latin and Greek languages. Some of 
thorn became useful, and others eminent, ministers of the gospel. I had still 
a few with mo when the Academy was opened in Canonsburg, and finding 
that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately 
gave it up and sent them there." 

The Doctor then goes on with every appearance of adhering to the regular 
succession of events to speak of the first remarkable outpouring of the 
Spirit in his congregation as occurring in December, 1781. 

Now, in the first place, the order in which Dr. M'Millan introduces this 
portion of his history, furnishes a fair presumption that he is speaking of a 
period prior to December, 1781 ; in the second place, the phraseology with 
which he commences tbo paragraph, furnishes an equally fair presumption 
that be uegan his career as a teacher soon after ''coming to this country ;" 
in the third place, with what propriety — not to say with what truth — could 
he affirm that he had acted "according" to Dr. Smith's injunction, if he 
had totally neglected it for ten years after his settlement as a pastor of 
Chartiers, and that, too, with the materials for such a school in his im- 
mediate neighborhood, nay, as we are told, upon his own farm? — and in 

* Of Pequea. 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 385 

the fourth place, why should he say that there were "still a few with him," 
if his school had been in existence for the comparatively brief period we 
are asked to believe ? If all this be only a presumption, yet it is so strong 
that it cannot well be set aside, unless upon the suggestion in " Old Red- 
stone," page 80, that it may be a "lapsus memoriae on the part of an 
octogenarian." 

Again, in a report presented to tho Trustees of Jefferson College in 1817, 
by Dr. Ramsey and Dr. M'Millan, and which appears upon the minutes of 
the Board in the handwriting of tho latter, it is stated, in an account of Dr. 
M'Millan 's efforts to establish the academy at Canonsburg, that "A house 
was built and a Latin and Greek school, which he had kept at his own 
house, for the purpose of supplying the church as far as was practicable, 
was transferred to this infant acadomy, the original fountain of science 
and literature in these western counties." Now from this passage, from 
Dr. M'Millan's own pen, it is an inevitable inference that in his opinion the 
Canonsburg Academy, either of itself, or by virtue of the school transferred 
to it, was tho original fountain, &c. It could not have been the former, for 
the Washington Academy had been in existence before tho one in Canons- 
burg, and long before the date of this report (1817) had eventuated in a 
college j and it is difficult to soe how we can escape tho latter conclusion. 

But a still more explicit statomont is made in the catalogue of Jefforson 
College, publishod in July, 1833, four months before the decease of Dr. 
M'Millan (November, 16th), he being at that time Vice-President of the 
college, and in the habit, it is believed, of frequently visiting the institu- 
tion. It is there stated that " Jefferson College was chartered by tho State, 
and regularly organized in 1802. Prior to that time there existed an 
academy, called Canonsburg Academy, which commenced soon after the 
first settlement of this country. This was the first literary institution west 
of the mountains. It originated in a small log-cabin, where the first Latin 
school was taught by the Hon. James Ross, of Pittsburgh, under the 
patronage and direction of Rev. Dr. M'Millan." 

It would Sc'^m highly improbable — indoed, almost impossible — that this 
statement could have been put forth without the knowledge of Dr. M'Millan, 
and without some attempt to derive from himself personally the facts in 
regard to the origin and character of his school ; or that, having been put 
forth, it -should remain uncontradicted, if erroneous. It may, Herefore, 
fairly be received as having the sanction of his authority. 

2d. Next in order may be noticed the testimony of the children of Dr. 
M'Millan. On the 24th April, 1854, the writer, in company with Rev. 
William Ewing, the pastor of Chartiers, visited Mr. John M'Millan, (since 
deceased), who occupied the old homestead, and adjacent to whose dwelling 
stands the veritable "Log-Cabin" itself. This, however, was the second 
cabin. Tho first, which was burnt down, was at some distance from the 
dwelling ; Mr. M'Millan indicated its site, He stated that he had often 

3-3 



APPENDIX, 

heard his father say—" That Mr. Ross taught Latin for him, and that thia 
was the first Latin school in the country." The writer quotes from his 
memoranda, made at the time. Mr. M'Millan added that his father used to 
say — " He wished the world to forget, as soon as possible, that such a -man 
as John M'Millan had ever lived." Unhappily, the world is too ready to 
forget its benefactors. 

On the 3d August, 1854, the writer roceived a call from Mr. M'Millan, 
accompanied by his sister, Mrs. Harper, the oldest child of Br. M'Millan. 
Mrs. Harper, who was in her seventy-seventh year, but appeared to possess 
an excellent memory, confirmed hor brother's statements; and her testimony 
in other particulars has been already introduced and need not be repeated. 
She states that Mr. Ross, as well as Mr. McGready, studied languages with 
her father, whilst they were engaged in teaching for him, the former the 
Latin and the latter the English scholars. 

3d. As the testimony of the next witness is perhaps the most direct of 
any, and by many will be deemed conclusive upon the subject, it will be 
proper to give it in full, as taken down by the writer at the time specified, 

" Canonsburg, Saturday, June 17th, 1854. 

" In company with Dr. John Weaver, I this day called upon Mrs. Sarab 
Park, an aged lady, residing with her son, Mr. M'Dowell Park, about five 
miles from Canonsburg. 

"Mrs. Park's statements to Dr. Weaver and myself were as follows, she 
being in cur judgment in perfect possession of all hor mental faculties, her 
memory apparently unimpaired. 

"She was born October 24th, 1769, and is now in her eighty-fifth year, 
and in the enjoyment of excellent health. Her maiden name was M'Dowell. 
Her father, Judge M'Dowell, removed from Eastern to Western Pennsyl- 
vania, when she was about four years of age (1773). Her father resided 
upon the farm now owned by Mr. Samuel Pollock, about two miles from 
Chartiers' meeting-house, and not quite two miles from Dr. M'Millan's. 
She distinctly recollects when Dr. M'Millan removed his family to Chartiers. 
There being no house prepared for him, he with his wife and child (now 
Mrs. Harper) remained for six weeks at hor father's house. (Mrs. Park 
mentioned one or two incidents connected with Dr. M'Millan's temporary 
residence at her father's house, which, though trivial, show how distinct 
and vivicrher recollection of that period is. As Dr. M'Millan removed his 
family to Chartiers in 1778, she must have been at that time nine years 
of ago.) 

" Mrs. Park does not remomber the precise year when Dr. M Millan's 
ichool commenced; but thinks she was about twelve years old, (1781,) and 
Is quite sure she was not more than thirteen, (1782,) when she know several 
young men who were studying with Dr. M'Millan at his own house, before 
the first school-house was built. These students were David Smith. John 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 387 

Brice, James McGready, Francis Reno, and Thomas Reno. Mr. Smith 
boarded with Dr. M'Millan ; all the others boarded with her father, Judge 
M'Dowell. She remembers distinctly that these young men were studying 
Latin books, — is perfectly sure of it. She recollects well their using books 
.she could not read in. She never heard of an English school at Dr. M'Mii- 
lan's house, and is quite sure he never taught one. She knows certainly 
that the young men named above recited to Dr. M'Millan at his own house, 
before any school-house was built, and she thinks, before Mr. Ross came out 
to the West. The students named above were all gone before Mrs. Park's 
marriage, which took place in 17S6, when she was seventeen years of age. 
Upon her marriage she left the more immediate neighborhood of the school, 
and went to live upon the farm where she still resides. She does not there- 
fore remembor very distinctly matters connected with the school after that 
period, and about which she was not so well informed at the time. 

" The first school-house was built at some distance from Dr. M'Millan's 
•dwelling. It was called the 'Latin School,' and known by that name 
throughout the country. This building was destroyed by fire — she does not 
recollect in what year, but thinks it was after her marriage ; of this she would 
not be certain. Mr. Ross was the first teacher in this school-house. She 
recollects him distinctly, and the fact of his being thus engaged. She does 
not know what his age at the time was — thinks it may have been twenty-five. 
Does not remember how long he remained with Dr. M'Millan ; thinks it 
may have been two years. She thinks Mr. Ross obtained his education east 
of the mountains, and has no knowledge of his having studied with Dr. 
M'Millan. 

" Mrs. Park never heard of any Latin school at Rev. Joseph Smith's, at 
Buffalo; though she says it might have been in existence without her 
knowledge. 

" She remembers Mr. McGready perfectly well, and that he was in very 
limited circumstances when obtaining his education ; but she does not recol- 
lect his boarding at Dr. M'Millan's, and thinks, if he did, it must have been 
after her marriage, (1786). She does not remember his teaching an English 
school." 

As the abt ve testimony is directly to the point, the reader will pardon the 
following evidence of the case which was taken that no error might be com- 
mitted in recording it 

" Ganonsburg, June 17th, 1854. 

" William Park, Esq. Dear Sir: — On the previous pages I have written 
out the information given to me this morning by your mother, from notes I 
took at the time. I have read it to Dr. Weaver, who believes it to be a cor- 
roct statement of the information we received. But as I may not have given 
your mother time to collect her thoughts in our brief visit, or as I may possi- 
bly, though unintentionally, have stated some things too positively, or per- 



388 APPENDIX. 

haps omitted some matters that should have been mentioned; or as her 
thoughts have been turned to this subject by my questions, and she may 
have since recalled some facts which she did not think of at the time ; I will 
consider it a great favor if you will read to her, carefully and slowly, what 
I have written, and if you will be so kind as to note down any modifications, 
alterations, or additions she may desire to make, and let me have the result 
whenever you conveniently can. Yours truly, R. P." 

To this note a reply was received, June 30th, from a daughter of Mr. 
Park, returning the manuscript, stating that she had attended to the above 
request, and that her grandmother said her recollections were correctly repre- 
sented and she had nothing to add. It is impossible, however, to convey to 
the roader any adequate idea of the vivacity and distinctness with which 
this truly venerable lady recalled and related the events of her childhood 
and youth, and the extreme caution with which she spoke of matters of 
which she was not perfectly sure. 

In comparing the testimony of Mrs. Park with that of Mrs. Irwin, the 
reader cannot fail to notice that we have here the evidence of one who was 
twelve or thirteen years of age at the time of which she testifies, — who was 
in the immediate neighborhood of Dr. M'Millan, and intimate with his fam- 
ily, and who testifies respecting matters of which she had a personal knowl- 
edge, and occurrences which passed daily before her eyes, as opposed to the 
recollections of one who was at this period a child of six or seven years of 
age, upwards of ten miles distant, who had no personal knowledge of Dr. 
M'Millan's school, and who was cortainly in error in regard to Mr. Dodd's. 
Also, that tho question is here answered — " Who wero Dr. M'Millan's pupils 
at this early date ?" The names of at least five of them "have been found." 
And in the last place, it is important to observe, that as Messrs. Smith and 
Brice wero among these students, in 1781, as Mrs. Park strongly believes, 
and certainly as early as 1782, — and as Dr. Lindley has stated that they 
were among his school-mates at Ten Mile from some time in 1782 until he 
left tho school in 1784, it follows inevitably that they must have been pupils 
of Dr. M'Millan before they went to Mr. Dodd, even if we take the latest 
date assigned by Mrs. Park. David Smith was probably the youngest of 
those pupils, and about ton years of age ; yet he had commenced Latin two 
years bofore, (" Old Redstone," page 443.) Mrs. Park, it will be seen, is 
five years older than Rev. Dr. Lindley, and enjoyed much more favorable 
opportunities than he, for acquiring a knowledge of tho facts to which she 
testifies. 

Of one of the students mentioned by Mrs. Park, tho following information 
has boon derived from Col. William Lea, of Allegheny count}', through the 
politeness of Mr. J. C. Wrenshall : "Rev. Francis Reno (Episcopal minis- 
ter) was a student of Mr. M'Millan, of Canonsburg. He came to the old 
church at Woodville, known as Chartiers Chapel, about the year 1792, and 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 389 

preached there until 1811. About that time he removed to Beaver, and died 
there about 1830." 

It may seem unnecessary to add anything to testimony so explicit as that 
of Mrs. Park, and from a source so unimpeachable ; but the reader who has 
uiken any interest in the subject will be glad to see that her statements aro 
not without corroborating evidence. 

" Canonsburg, Saturday, June 24th, 1854. 

" In company with John E. Black, Esq., the writer visited this day four 
aged persons in tho vicinity of Canonsburg : Messrs. John Barr, (four miles 
from town,) Joseph Moss, (seven miles,) Daniel Darragh, Esq., (ton miles,) 
and James Thomas, (seven miles.) 

4th. " John Barr was born in 1780, in Lancastor county, Pennsylvania ; 
came West in 1785; and when about eight years of age, (1788,) was 
acquainted with Francis and Thomas Dunlavy, who were then going to Dr. 
M'Millan to school. Does not know about the Renos going to Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's school, but remembers the men. One of them became an Episcopal 
minister, and preached about seven miles from Pittsburgh, on the Washing- 
ton turnpike ; the other a partner in a wholesale grocery in Pittsburgh. At 
least fifty years ago, Mr. Barr used to hear of Mr. Ross having taught Latin 
for Dr. M'Millan. 

5th. "Joseph Moss was born in Chestor county, Pennsylvania, in 1761, 
rind is now in his ninety-third year. Came West in 1784, in his twenty- 
third year. Dr. M'Millan had been teaching some yoars before that time. 
Remembers Mr. Reno, who preached near Pittsburgh, and belioves ho studied 
under Dr. M'Millan. Mr. Reno was preaching soon after Mr. Moss came 
West. Mr. Moss was a surveyor in early life : attended Mr. Clarke's church, 
now Mr. Marshall's. 

6th. " Daniel Darragh was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 
1766, and is now in his eighty-eighth year. Came West in 17S6. Does 
not remember whether Dr. M'Miilau's school was in operation then, or not. 
Always heard of it as the oldest school west of the mountains ; never heard 
at that time of any other. Thinks Mr. Ross was then a lawyer in Washing- 
ton. Does not remember hearing of Mr. Ross teaching. Remembers a 
student, named Siemens, who recited to Dr. M'Millan at his own house. 

7th. "James Thomas, born in New Jersey in 1771, came West in 1773. 
Remembers hearing of Mr. Ross studying with Dr. M'Millan. Cannot 
recollect any particulars about the school. 

"Mrs. Thomas remombers Rev. Samuel Poiter living on Dr. M'Millan's 
place, and studying with him, about 1788. His son was her school-mate at 
that time. She remembers well that the school-house used to be called tho 
'Latin School.' 

8th. "May 18th, 1854. Called this afternoon on Isaac White, Betsey 
White, and Mrs. Jane Berry, resident about a mile from Canonsburg. They 

33* 



390 APPENDIX, 

are the children of George White, who died March 2, 1847, in his ninety- 
second year. He was one of the oldest settlers, having, with his father, 
John White, arrived at Chartiers April 29th, 1772. George AVhite, being 
desirous to qualify himself for becoming an English teacher, repaired to Dr. 
M'Millan's school and attended it for some time; then re-crossed the 
mountains, and either taught or attended school for some timo in Adams 
county, Pennsylvania; returned home, and after the lapse of some time 
again visited Adams county on the occasion of his marriage, which took 
place in 1786, when he was about thirty years of age. 

" His children cannot fix the date of his attending school, but think it 
must have been some years before his marriage. They distinctly recollect 
having often heard him say that Latin was taught there then, though he did 
not study it; that Mr. Ross was there then, and was one of the Latin 
students; that he often spoke of the Latin students as considering them- 
selves of a little more consoquence than the other students, and as being so 
regarded by the others ; and they have often heard him say that when the 
school-house was burnt, all the Latin books which had been left in it over 
night were consumed, and there were no more this side the mountains, 
which occasioned great inconvenience." 

The recollection of a nephew of George White, Mr. James White, of 
Cecil township, who was presgnt, coincided with that of his cousins as 
given above. 

9th. Extract from a letter from Rev. Dr. Cephas Dodd, May 17th, 1854 : — 
"When my father taught in Washington in 1789, Abraham Scott was there 
as a pupil. He was reading some of the higher classics, and had previously 
been at Dr. M'Millan's school. I used to hear him speak of Jemmy Ross 
(as he called him) as having been his teacher there. James Ross was at 
that time a practicing attorney in Washington, and had probably been so as 
early as 1787, as he was at that time one of the Trustees named in the 
charter of the Washington Academy." 

10th. Extract from a letter from Hon. H. M. Brackenridge, a student at 
Jefferson College in 1805 :— " Tarentum, Pennsylvania, June 12th, 1854. 
I have always understood that the first Latin school ever established in the 
Western part of Pennsylvania, was that set on foot by the Rev. John 
M'Millan at Canonsburg, or near that place, in a log-cabin by the road 
side. I have heard my father say that onee, on his way from Pittsburgh to 
Washington court, he was induced, according to a practice almost invariable 
with him, to stop at the school in the log-cabin referred to, and there he 
found James Ross teaching a Latin class ; and according to his custom, he 
examined the scholars, and conversed with the teacher, in whom he im- 
mediately took a great interest. He was well acquainted with the family 
and connections in the Barrens of York, where my father's father had also 
settled, and lived as friend and neighbor to the Ross family. This must 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 391 

have been prior to the year 1785, for this reason : my father established him 
self as a lawyer in Pittsburgh in 1781, and Mr. Eoss must have been at 
least seven years at the bar before 1794, when he was a Senator of the 
United States. My father, on inquiring Into his future prospects, advised 
him to study law, and gave him letters to his friends in Philadelphia, 
especially Mr. Coxe, with whom Mr. Ross completed his studies. From this 
we may form an idea of the time which must have elapsed before he came 
to the bar, and of the time necessary to acquire such distinction as to be 
elected to the Senate before the year 1794. It would seem to me that this 
would surely carry the period at which my father saw him teaching in the 
log-cabin, beyond the year 17S5. 

" Mr. Ross was of course a well-grounded Latin scholar, but I am not so 
well informed as to his proficiency in classical studies. It mu3t have been 
good, judging from the high literary taste and polish of his style. James 
Ross, (no relative,) the celebrated teacher, and author of the grammar, was 
probably his teacher, as he had a Latin school at the place where the family 
of Mr. Ross resided in York county. This is the first time I ever heard the 
fact of Mr. M'Millan's being the first to establish a Latin school in the 
West, called in question." 

11th. A reminiscence of Joseph Patterson, Esq., of Pittsburgh, is also in 
point. Mr. Patterson was intimately acquainted with Mr. Ross, and re- 
mombers to have heard him relate, that whilst living with Dr. M'Millan, ho 
joined a party which was made up to go to tho relief of the settlers on the 
Ohio, upon the occasion of an incursion of the Indians ; and that upon the 
way thoy mot one of the brothers Poe (mentioned in "Old Redstone," page 
65) returning from his famous contest with the Indians on the banks of the 
Ohio, — the corpse of an Indian being slung over his horse. Now a refor- 
rence to any border history of the period will show that this celebrated 
encounter took place about the middle of July, 1782.* 

12 th. And finally the prevalence of the opinion, which appears to have 
been universal, and certainly has been until very recently undisputed, that 
Dr. M'Millan's was the first classical school in the West, is in itself, under 
the circumstances, strong evidence of its own correctness. Such a beliof 
was general, long before the late Rev. Dr. M. Brown came to Canonsburg 



* In a book entitled Western Adventure, will be found an account of the severe 
action of the Toes with the Indians, and will fix the date of that action no doubt 
correctly. I had an account of it from Andrew Poe himself, and also from the Rev. 
Thomas Marquis, who was in the engagement. In a conversation with the Hon. 
James Ross on the subject of that contest, he told me that he with a party of 
volunteers, met the Poes and their party on their return at Thomas White's, on 
Raccoon, bringing with them young Cherry, who was killed in the engagement, 
carrying him on a horse. Mr. Marquis told me he was near to him when he fell 
among a thicket of spice wood bushes, and soon died. 

Joseph Patterson. 



392 APPENDIX. 

in 1S22, and he does not seem in any wise to be justly held responsible for 
its existence. The writer, and those who accompanied him, can bear wit- 
ness to the unfeigned surprise with which the oldest inhabitants of the 
country around Dr. M'Millan's residence, learned that the correctness of 
the opinion with which they had grown up from childhood was now called 
in question, — an opinion which, it had never occurred to them, could be 
within the reach of skepticism. That such a belief should have been enter- 
tained, apparently from the very first, by those who must necessarily have 
boen cognizant of the facts, is altogether inexplicable on any other hypo- 
thesis than that the belief was warranted by the facts. 

It is much to be regrotted that the doubts which have been recently 
expressed had not been propounded sooner, before so many, who could have 
borne the amplest testimony to the facts of the case, had disappeared forever 
from the scene of those early trials, efforts, and difficulties, of which they 
loved to speak. 

That such an opinion as that spoken of above was general, scarcely 
requires additional confirmation ; but the following extract from a letter 
from Dr. Samuel Colver, of Jefferson, Groene county, Pennsylvania, May 
2Sth, 185JL, not only gives evidence of the state of opinion nearly forty 
years ago, but contains a tribute to th« memory of Dr. M'Millan, so just 
and unstudied, and so honorable to the heart that conveys it, that the reader 
will readily pardon its insertion. 

" My information on the subject was obtained as far back as the session 
of lSl'J-'20, at which time and subsequently I hoard much relativo to the 
early biography of Dr. M'Millan. During my first session at Jefferson 
College, I boarded at the houso of the widow Emery, opposite the college. 
Mrs. Emory's house was much frequented by many of the old citizens of 
the town and country, who seemed to take particular pleasure in relating 
the remarkable incidents pertaining to the early and subsequent life of Dr. 
M'Millan. I afterwards boarded at the houses of William Thompson and 
Joseph M'Nairy. They were members of the Seceder Church, and were 
frequently visited by Dr. Ramsey, who was at that time pastor of that 
church. In all these places the early history and settlement of Dr. M'Mil- 
lan was discussed and related so frequently and with such coincidence, as to 
make an indelible impression on my memory, so much so that they appear 
to me now as almost the narratives of but yesterday. 

"At that time Dr. M'Millan was held in.exaltod veneration, not only by 
tho citizens generally, but also by the students of the college, who not only 
looked upon him as the founder of that Institution, but as an oracle of wis- 
dom and piety, from whom they might derive lessons of instruction. Dr. 
M'Millan must have boen at that time near seventy years of age, yet tho 
powers of his mind and body seemed in their full vigor, and the spirit of 
lovo and benevolence shono through all his actions. lie regularly visited 
tho college twice a week, excepting in bad weather, and attentive!" listened 



TIJE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 393 

to the recitations of tho classes in their turn. I remember well, if a student 
should make a mistake, that ho was always tho first to discover it, and would 
correct it by some humorous remark, which not only corrected the error but 
palliated it. He preached regularly at his place, and frequently at the col- 
lege. His sermons wero eloquent and powerful. At that time Dr. M'Millan 
was considered the most useful and benevolent man of his day; and I do 
not think that Gen. Washington was ever more beloved by the American 
people, than was Dr. M'Millan by those portions of Washington county, and 
elsewhere, where his usefulness as a preacher, and his benevolence in pre- 
paring young men for the ministry, were so extensively experienced. 

" I now come to give you what information I have as regards that period 
of Dr. M'Millan's life in which he commenced his Latin school. This knowl- 
edge has been derived from the citizens of Canonsburg and its vicinity, many 
of whom were living at that time, who had been cotemporaneous with Dr. 
M'Millan in his early settlement. The result of this information is about 
this : that Dr. M'Millan first visited the western country in 1775, and preached 
to the border settlements of Westmoreland and Washington counties, during 
the summer and autumn of that year ; and that he returned to the East, and 
removed with his family to the vicinity of Canonsburg, and immediately 
commenced a Latin school with the "view of preparing young men for the 
ministry : that the celebrated James Ross was among his first students, and 
that he aftorwards became a teacher of classics under Dr. M'Millan. Mrs. 
Harpor romembers Ross as a teacher under her father as far back as her 
fifth year, which was about the year 17S2 : and of course Dr. M'Millan's 
Latin school must have commenced several years previous." 

Tho writer of this can bear testimony to tho existence of the same univer- 
sal impression when he was a student in Jeiferson College, some twenty 
years after the period referred to in Dr. Colver's letter; and when, in com- 
pany with several of his class-mates, in the spirit of pilgrims to some con- 
secrated shrine, ho visited the humble "Log-Cabin" so often referred to, and 
heard from Mr. John M'Millan the same narrative which was repeated to 
him fifteen years afterwards, as recorded above, it never occurred to him that 
the attempt would or could be made to divest that hallowed spot of tho hon- 
ors it had worn so long. 

But a still higher authority is that of the author of " Old Redstone," who 
was graduated at Jefferson College in 1815, and who states in a letter dated 
November 27th, 1854: — "I had always entertained tho prevailing opinion 
about the history of the ' Log-Cabin' school, until, unexpectedly, without 
my seeking it, I got the "statement which Mrs. Irwin, of Ohio, gave me." 

The reader, who has had the patience to accompany us thus far, is in pos- 
session of all the evidence the writer has been able to collect upon the sub- 
ject of our investigations. The field of his inquiries was not, however, by 
any means exhausted, when his progress was suddenly arrested, and circum- 
stances unnecessary to be detailed compelled him to abandon his researches. 



394 APPENDIX. 

After the lapse of more than two years, a period of comparative leisure has 
at last enabled him to arrange his notes, and the reader must decide how far 
they render any assistance towards a settlement of the interesting question — 
Where was the first Literary Institution. West of the Mountains ? 

A brief review of all that has been advanced in regard to Dr. M'Millan's 
school, will show that the only direct testimony in opposition to the com- 
monly received opinion of its priority to all others, is that of Mrs. Irwin, 
and possibly that of Rev. Dr. Lindley. The evidence of the former is utterly 
irreconcilable with admitted facts; while the statements of the latter maybe 
made to harmonize with the current belief. The opinion that Mr. Ross 
taught an English, and not a Latin school, is met by the repeated declaration 
of Dr. M'Millan, in the hearing of his children, to the contrary ; by a similar 
declaration, as the writer understands it, on the part of one of Mr. Ross' 
old pupils, Abraham Scott ; and by the evidence that Mr. Ross was discov- 
ered by Judge Brackenridgo actually hearing a Latin class. The. other 
arguments which have been adduced do not, upon examination, appear to 
carry with them even a presumption that the prevalent opinion is incorrect 

On the other hand, we have the personal recollection of an unexceptionable 
witness, Mrs. Park, to the effect that a- Latin school was in existence at Dr. 
M'Millan's, as she believes, in 1781, and as she is positively certain, in 1782 ; 
the recollection of a daughter of Dr. M'Millan's, carrying the school back 
as far as 1782 ; an incident stated by Joseph Patterson, Esq., in regard to 
the early life of James Ross, which fixes his residence with Dr. M'Millan at 
least as far back as July, 17S2 ; the circumstances related by Hon. II. M. 
Brackenridge, amounting to a fair presumption that Mr. Ross' residence with 
Dr. M'Millan was at a very early date ; the statement of Mr. Moss that the 
school had been in existence for some years before 17S4; the statement of 
the children of George White that in their opinion, for which they give rea- 
sons, their father must have attended Dr. M'Millan's school some years beforo 
17S6 ; the fact that some of the pupils of Mr. Dodd, who were with him from 
1782 till at least 1784, had yet been with Dr. M'Millan also in 1782, which 
would appear to show conclusively that they must have been students at 
Chartiers before they repaired to Ten Mile ; the declarations of Dr. M'Millan 
to his children, that his school was the first Latin school in tho country; his 
own language, as quoted above, which it is difficult to reconcile with truth 
on any other hypothesis than that of the early commencement and the pri- 
ority of his institution ; and finally the universality of such an opinion, 
amongst those who had the best opportunities for becoming acquainted with 
the facts, and for the existence and prevalence of which belief no explana- 
tion whatever has been offered, or can well bo imagined, save that it coincides 
with tho truth. The reader will judge for himself upon which side the evi- 
dence preponderates. 

But further, it is alleged, ('• Old Redstone," page 192,) that " Tho Academy 
did not originate in the Latin school at the ' Log-Cabin,' but was regun hide- 



THE ORIGIN OE JEEEERSOJM COLLEGE. 895 

pendontly of it, and superseded it, and caused its suspension." It is not 
enough, therefore, to maintain the honor of the parent stock : the legitimacy 
of the offspring must also be defended. 

Now the facts of the case, as related by Dr. M'Millan in his letter and 
report, already quoted, and by Rev. R. Tatterson, in his letter to Dr. Brown, 
are as follow : 

That in July, 1791, upon a Monday after a sacramental season in Chartiers 
congregation, a consultation, at which Rev. Messrs. M'Millan and Smith, 
with other friends of learning, were present, was held, and a resolution 
adopted, to establish a Literary Institution in the West. On the question of 
its location, the "Log-Cabin" was proposed by Dr. M'Millan, Canonsburg by 
Col. Canon. It may here be remarked that if the former site had been 
selected, there could be no dispute as to the fact that the Academy was the 
successor of the Latin school. Canonsburg, however, was chosen, Dr. 
M'Millan concurring, and by appointment the exercises of the Academy wero 
commenced the next morning in a field near the village, Dr. M'Millan him- 
self taking the most prominent part in them. Mr. David Johnston was 
invited to attond and take chargo of the Acadomy. Thus far the letter of 
Rev. R. Patterson, who made the first recitation. Must not these facts have 
escaped the author of "Old Redstone," when ho observes, page SO, that 
"Dr. M'Millan had no direct agency, and took no active part in getting up 
the Canonsburg Academy ?" 

Further, Dr. M'Millan, in his letter, states : — " I had still a few with mo 
when the academy was opened at Canonsburg, and finding that I could not 
teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately gave it up and 
sent them there." — " Old Redstone," page 193. 

Again, in his report to the Trustees, already quoted, Dr. M'Millan states 
that — " A Latin and Greek school which he had kept at his own house, for 
the purpose of supplying the church as far as was practicable, was trans- 
ferred to this infant academy, the original fountain, &c, &c." 

The only evidonce to the contrary is the statement of William Darby, 
Esq., ("Old Redstone," page 193), that Dr. M'Millan's school was still in 
operation through 1789 and part of 1790, after the academy was established 
in Canonsburg. But in the first place, the academy was not established in 
Canonsburg until July, 1791 ; in the next place, if Mr. Darby meant the 
latter year, his evidence is directly contrary to that of Dr. M'Millan, who 
may be supposed to be better acquainted with the facts; and in the last 
place, it is contrary to a fair presumption from the language in which Rev. 
Dr. Lindley, as quoted above, describes the commencement of the Canons- 
burg Academy. 

If the active co-operation of Dr. M'Millan in building up the academy, — 
if the leading part he took in the very inception of the enterprise, as well as 
during all its progress, in selecting its teachers, in raising funds for it, in 
frequently visiting it, and in managing its concerns,— if all this, in eon- 



396 APPENDIX. 

nection with the iuiniediato transfer of his pupils to the academy, a fact 
which he has certified under his own hand, — does not render that academy 
the lineal descendant of the Latin school, — it is difficult to imagine what 
would have constituted a legitimate succession. 

If, upon tho other hand, it bo really incorrect to suppose that there was 
such an immediate succession, it is very clear that Dr. M'Millan himself 
labored under this mistaken impression ; that the same misapprehension has 
always prevailed amongst thoso who have had the best opportunities for 
becoming familiar with tho facts ; and lastly, that the author of " Old 
Redstone" has himself fallen into tho same error, when ho states (page 77) 
that Mr. Smith's school, by being transferred to Dr. M'Millan's, was "the 
real nucleus, the larva, out of which grew eventually, first, the Canonsburg 
Academy, and then Jefferson College." 

But with what propriety can it be said, (" Old Redstone," page 190), that 
an institution was "originated" by the Synod of Virginia, "located" iu 
Canonsburg by the Presbytery of Redstone, and " merged into the academy 
of that place in 1791-'2," when this ecclesiastical figment never had any 
existence whatever, apart from that of tho academy itself, which had been 
in successful operation for two years before tho Presbytery finally recognized 
it as an institution under then' care ? It has never been made to appear 
that tho Synod of Virginia had any agency whatever in "originating" tho 
academy at Canonsburg, that institution having been in existence somo three 
months before tho date of the Synod's resolution on the subject of western 
education. Why should we seek, at this late day, and without the slightest 
evidence, to justify such a course, to crown the Synod with tho honors which 
for more than half a century have encircled the brow of M'Millan ? 

It is due to the memory of the noble-minded and self-sacrificing fathers 
of our western churches, to say that no spirit of jealousy could evor havo 
found a lodgment in their bosoms. Disinterested zeal for tho service of their 
Divine Master was all that impelled them to thread the mazes of these 
western forests, to follow close upon the obscure pathway of the pioneer, and 
almost simultaneously with tho erection of his rude hut, to rear beside it the 
school-house and the church. It reflects tho highest honor on theso illustri- 
ous men, that scarce thirty years were suffered to elapse after tho first daring 
adventurer had penetrated a hitherto pathless wilderness, — thirty years, not 
of prosperity and peace, but of painful vigilance and unceasing struggle, 
of unexampled hardships and heroic endurance, — until the poetry and elo- 
quonce of Greece and Rome, tho truths of modern science, and of sacred 
learning, had found throe humble halls, thrco devoted instructors, and a score 
of assiduous pupils, — though tho war-whoop of the retreating savage still 
echoed within tho surrounding valleys, and his council-fires still blazed upon 
the hills. History presents few parallels of achievements so worthy of 
remembrance, yet so speedily forgotten. Amidst any other people than the 
ungrateful descendant* of such heroic sires, the conseciated spot where 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 397 

learning reared her first abode had long since boen distinguished by some 
fitting monument, inscribed with a name posterity should " not willingly 
let die." 

It is due also to those whose evidence has been collated on the preceding 
pages, to say that the discrepancies which may be found to exist in their 
reminiscences, some of which have been passed by unnoticed, whilst of 
others it has been no grateful task to speak, should not affect their character 
for truthfulness. It is understood that they testify to the best of their 
remembrance ; nor is it surprising that there should be some variations in 
the recollections of occurrences of three score years ago. 

Especially is it due to the respected author of " Old Redstone," to bear 
testimony to the fidelity with which he has discharged the task he has under- 
taken, and to the value of his labors in rescuing so much of the history of 
Western Presby terianism from that oblivion to which it was so rapidly hasten- 
ing. With the devotion of a Tully, he has striven to remove the thistles 
that were so quickly concealing the monuments of the wisdom of the past : 
with the piety of an Old Mortality, he has endeavored to deepen the inscrip- 
tions sacred to the memory of the religion and the patriotism of our fathers. 
No one would shrink sooner than he, from denying praise where praise was 
justly due; and his hand would be the first to replace a chaplet he had 
unwittingly removed. 

R. P. 

Oakland College, Miss., January 1st, 1857. 



To review this able and ingenious paper, in all its details, would be un- 
reasonably taxing the patience of readers. We feel no special zeal about 
the issue of this question of priority in respect to the early Latin schools in 
Western Pennsylvania. It may be thought by some that this question was 
unnecessarily and foolishly raised in the first instance, and that the almost 
universally current traditions should have been left undisturbed : — and that 
it was an invidious and dishonorable employment to attempt to displaco a 
garland from the brow of Dr. M'Millan. Now we claim a veneration for the 
exalted character of that never-to-be-forgotten father of our Western Zion, 
not inferior to that cherished by the writer of this paper. Wo greatly 
respect the memory of Dr. M'Millau. But to receive and adopt implicitly 
every tradition that may gather round a good man's history, is rather an 
equivocal way of evincing true respect. All who are familiar with history, 
are aware that ingenious fictions and legends have often been employed to 
augment the renown of distinguished men, and to throw a halo of glory 
around their heads. Witness the ingenious tale about Dr. M'Millan in " Day's 
Historical Collection of Pennsylvania," page 668, whore it is stated that "he 
settled in Washington county in 1773," — and "with the commencement of 
his labors, began hiB school at Canonsburg," and that " the number of his 

34 



398 APPENDIX. 

students Laving increased, a stone building was erected in 1790 •" — not one 
sentence or clause of which is correct. Witness, again, the story told of 
Dr. Witherspoon : that when the Convention met to form the Constitution 
of the United States, the Doctor put a Confession of Faith in his pocket ; 
and having our Presbyterian Constitution constantly ready for reference, he 
succeeded in getting our admirable frame of Government modeled, in its 
main features, after our Presbyterian form of Government. Whereas, Dr. 
Witherspoon, though a member of the Continental Congress that adopted 
and signed the Declaration of Independence, where his name is also found, 
and though a member of the Convention that drew up the articles of con- 
federation in 1778, was not a member at all of the Convention that in 17S6 
formed the Constitution ! Witness, again, the beautiful story about President 
Davies, the great American preacher — a story once universally told and 
believed among Presbyterians in Virginia — how, that when on a visit to 
England, and invited to preach before the court of George II., his 
overpowering eloquence so deeply moved the king that he said, aloud to one 
of his nobles, "did ever man speak like this man?" and how Mr. Davies 
paused, and then said, slowly and solemnly : " when the lion roars, the 
beasts of the forest tremble ; when the king of heaven speaks, let the kings 
of the earth keep silence ]" The whole story has been, long since, proved 
to be a mere fabrication. AVitness the story of Lord Baltimore having first 
introduced the principles of religious liberty into his government of the 
Maryland colony — a legend which the Hon. J. P. Kennedy, late Secretary 
of the Navy, scattered to the winds, by showing, conclusively, that the 
principles of religious liberty were in the charter, granted by a British 
Protestant king to Lord Baltimore, and not in the Colonial Constitution of 
Maryland, further than the charter required. And, to cite a case of 
earlier history, witness the pleasant legend about Dionysius, the Areopagite ; 
how he had stood among a group of philosophers, in Egypt, at the time 
of the supernatural darkness, occurring during our Saviour's crucifixion, and 
exclaimed, " Either the frame of nature is about to dissolve, or the God of 
nature is suffering!" — a story which the eloquent Saurin, having examined 
its claims, has told us, dies "pierced by a thousand spears." Indeed, 
nothing is more common than fictitious and unfounded exaggerations gather- 
ing round the character and doings of great and good men. And he who 
undertakes to question or refute such things, ought not to be branded as 
inimical or unfriendly, or lacking in a just regard to their reputation. Yet 
blind idolaters of such men are found not only to possess an easy faith, 
ready to receive implicitly every exaggerated tale, but to denounce, with 
bitterness, all who do not possess the same ample powers of deglutition. 
Very far from such a character, however, is Prof. Patterson. Though he 
has succeeded, apparently, in completely satisfying himself, as to the cor- 
rectness of the old current traditions about the "Log-Cabin," and the origin 
of Jefferson College, he treats with kindness and respect those who have 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 399 

heretofore differed from him in their views. His paper, in our judgment, 
evinces eminent talents and earnest zeal ; and what is better still, a kind, 
and conciliatory spirit. After a careful consideration of all that he has 
adduced in support of the several conclusions at which he has arrived, we 
cannot yet acknowledge ourselves convinced, or, in some particulars, even 
shaken. We will attempt a very brief statement of the matter, as it still 
appears to us. 

1st. Was Jefferson College indebted for its origin to the " Log-Cabin" school 
at Chartiers ? We answer that the true facts of the case now brought to 
light, as given in our introductory chapter of this work, from the testimony 
of Dr. C. Dodd, and Dr. M'Millan himself, show that Dr. M'Millan and his 
compeers, Messrs. Smith and Henderson, together with Judges M'Dowell, 
Allison, and others, having failed to resuscitate the Washington Academy, 
after the disaster of the fire, united in setting on foot a similar institution in 
the village of Canonsburg, encouraged especially by the effective co-opera- 
tion of Col. Canon ; and that the " Log-Cabin" school had nothing to do in 
the matter — though the contiguity of the new Academy rendered it both con- 
venient and desirable to Dr. M'Millan to suspend the further continuance of 
his school. The discontinuance of the " Log-Cabin" school was a mere inci- 
dental circumstance, arising from the fact that a good Academy, in his imme- 
diate neighborhood, and partly through his agency, was now under way. 
If Dr. M'Millan and his brethren could have succeeded with the Academy 
at Washington, does any one believe that his school, in that event, would 
have had an outgrowth into another Academy, either at Canonsburg or 
Chartiers ? It is probable, indeed, that had he succeeded in his wishes at 
Washington, he would not so soon have relinquished the school at Chartiers. 
For the sake of poor and pious young men boarding with him, without charge, 
or in the neighborhood, he would have continued the school a while longer. 
But now the great enterprise which had been commenced, and failed, at 
Washington, succeeded by their all uniting upon Canonsburg : its immediate 
vicinity to Dr. M'Millan brought him relief from what he felt to be a heavy 
charge upon his time and his resources, and an interference with his pastoral 
labors ; and whether he gave up the school the very next day, or a week, or 
a montji after; or even if he had closed it a few weeks before, in the certain 
anticipation of planting the original academical enterprise at Canonsburg, 
does not make the smallest difference — does not effect the question as to the 
succession ; unless it be such a succession as the famous case of the Church 
Steeple and the Goodwin Sandbar ! If any thing were wanting to confirm 
the view we have now given, it is found in the language of the second memo- 
rial which the Trustees sent to the Legislature, in which they give their 
account of the origin of the Academy, but make not the remotest allusion to 
the " Log-Cabin" school. Let the reader turn to this paper on page 46 of 
this work and see their statement. Now, this view of the whole case does 
no* derogate one iota from the true honor of Dr. M'Millan. In fact, ever 



400 APPENDIX. 

since we have more fully understood what he did for Washington Academy, 
and what efforts he made to arouse the people there to a noble and united 
movement for their Academy, and what he, with others, then proceeded to 
do at Canonshurg, we cannot but wonder that any concern should be felt 
about holding on to the story of the old "Log-Cabin" school growing into 
an Academy. But then it is asked, what are we to do with the apparent 
endorsement on the part of the Doctor, of the statement put forth by the 
Trustees of Jefferson College, in July, 1833 ? Why, how do we know that 
he endorsed it? He may not have seen it at all ;* or he may have expressed 
his dissent ; or he may have thought it not worth while to trouble himself 
about it. We know just nothing at all about the matter. And shall advan- 
tage be taken of our ignorance how that matter really was ? and then, for- 
sooth, his endorsement be claimed? "Nay, verily." But, then, what shall 
we make of the Doctor's expression in 1817? "A Latin and Greek school 
which he had kept at his own house, was transferred to this infant Academy, 
tho original fountain of science and literature in these western States." It 
is urged that the last clause rofers to the Latin school, and proves its priority 
to all other schools. But the natural construction of the passage connects 
the concluding expression with the "infant Academy." We have no doubt 
that it was this of which the expression was used. Is it necessary to go fur- 
ther than the Canonsburg Academy ? Would the previous short life of ths 
school at Washington, For some fifteen or sixteen months, make such an 
expression about Canonsburg Academy, near thirty years after that fountain 
began to flow, and at length to enlarge into Jefferson College, objectionable 
or untrue ? And was not the 2>>'iority of the Canonsburg Academy to Jeffer- 
son College the natural occasion of the expression, " original fountain ?" 
We can see no reason in the world why any body now would make the 
" Log-Cabin" school the sire, or the grand-sire of Jefferson College. We 
know tho author of " Old Redstone" can be quoted as favoring this view. 
But then the author did not know all the facts in the case — facts which place, 
really, greater honor on Dr. M'Millan, than the old theory. 

2d. The next point of inquiry which we will briefly consider is as to the 
character of Mr. Smith's school, at Buffalo. For we are put to the proof of 
its very existence as a Latin and scientific school. It is useless to Inquire 
about its precedence, if it is ruled out of court altogether. It is true, the 
new theory is that it was a theological school ; and as in that character it 
takes the precedence of grammar schools, academies, and even colleges, it 



* The records show that Dr. M'Millan was not present at that meeting of the Board. 
Even the Board itself probably entrusted the whole matter of drawing up and pub- 
lishing the statement to their secretary, or a committee, and did not see it themselves 
till it was published. Further, the old records had been for some time mislaid, and 
were supposed to be lost. And those who proposed that paper were not aware thai 
their own records contained a very different account of the birth of the Academy. 






THE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 401 

might be supposed that this would be sufficiently satisfactory. But we are 
compelled to decline that honor — at least as to its distinctive character — for 
the Buffalo school. Now to maintain that this school was altogether different 
from the Ten Mile or the Chartiers school, and, in fact, was no such school 
at all ; and yet further maintain that it succeeded both these schools, is cer^ 
tainly a work of supererogation, for who does not know that theological 
schools presuppose other and previous literary institutions ? But this new 
method of considering the case, puts one in much the same condition with 
the plaintiff who sought to recover damages from a man for breaking his 
borrowed kettle, and who was astonished to find the defendant's counsel 
making three points in his defence : 1st., that the kettle was cracked when 
borrowed ; 2d., was sound when returned, and 3d., was never borrowed at 
all ! But seriously, was Mr. Smith's school like the others, or was it simply 
a Divinity Hall ? 

(1.) The Rev. Joseph Patterson's language in his memorandum ("Old 
Redstone," p. 81, quoted by Prof. Patterson,) clearly implies that it was, in 
part, at least, literary and scientific. Or why should he speak of there being 
" no places of public education ?" Does he not obviously mean academies, 
colleges, Ac. ? This seems to us the natural meaning of his expressions. 
And, if so, it settles the question. 

(2.) The Rev. Robert Patterson, in his letter to Dr. Brown, in 1345, as 
quoted also by Prof. Patterson, after stating that some of the Presbyterian 
clergymen were in the habit of giving instruction in the languages and 
sciences to young men, proceeds to mention by name Messrs. Smith and 
M'Millan ; and makes no distinction whatever, in respect to tho character of 
their schools. This testimony we regard as perfectly conclusive. 

(3.) Dr. Cephas Dodd testifies to nn agreement between the Rev. Messrs. 
Thaddeus Dodd and Joseph Smith, to superintend, alternately, the education 
of certain young men, and plainly implying that their instructions were of 
a similar nature — that their schools were, so far as such young men were 
concerned, alike. The testimony of Dr. Lindley, Mr. John M'Millan, Mrs. 
Harper, Mrs. Park, (fee, wo regard as of no weight whatever on this partic-> 
ular point. By such testimony, or testimony equally strong, we could anni- 
hilate tho Ten Mile school, as a Latin school, altogether. But it is alleged 
that the author of " Old Redstone," has admitted that the Buffalo school was 
riot a Latin school. The remark in " Old Redstone," page 146, that Mr. 
Smith's school at Buffalo " may have been tho first with a more special and 
exclusive reference to the training of young men for the service of the 
church," was certainly not meant to convey the idea that it was rather theo- 
logical than literary; but only that it was of a less mixed character than 
tho Ten Mile school, and more exclusively with a view of educating, in their 
literary and scientific course, candidates for the ministry. 

(4.) Mrs. Irwin's testimony is fully to this character of the school. She 
certainly meant that it preceded just such a school as that at Chartiers, 

84* 



402 APPENDIX. 

however mistaken she may have been on the question of precedence. And 
her competency as a witness to this extent, though not important, may be 
admitted when othor witnesses, much inferior, on this point, have been called 
into court. 

(5.) The Rev. William "Wylie, D. D., now in his eighty-fourth year, wa3 
born and brought up in Buffalo, not far from Mr. Smith's ; and must have 
been in his twelfth or thirteenth year, in the fall of 1785. Ho says, in a 
letter dated March 13th, 1857: "That school was certainly occupied in 
furnishing young men with a classical education, more than in giving eccle- 
siastical instruction. I believe the testimony you havo given the public 
from Mrs. Irwin is fully entitled to credit, interwoven as it is with many of 
the interesting scenes of her youth, and kept almost continually in view by 
the recollection of the many things with which these events were associated." 
The second point, then, we think, is clearly and finally settled. But now as 
to the third point. 

3d. Whore was the first school for training young men in a literary and 
scientific course, and especially for the gospel ministry ? The author of the 
paper before us has evidently taken considerable pains to collect a mass 
of testimony in favor of the "Log-Cabin" school. And be has certainly 
evinced much ability in arranging it, and bringing it out in its full strength. 
Perhaps he will be thought right in the conclusion which he has reached. 
If so, we are not in the least troubled on that account. Truth, not victory, 
should be our aim. "Fiat justitia, ruat ccelum." But "audi alteram 
partem ;" and let us just observe that there aro somo facts which seem to us 
stubborn, and not easily explained in harmony with the entire extent of 
Prof. Patterson's conclusions. We will briefly state them. 

(1.) It is a fact that the Rev. Robert, Patterson made the following state- 
ment, in his general narrative of his reminiscences, about the early educa- 
tional enterprises — which he drew up at the request of Dr. M. Brown : 
"Between 1780 and 1790, and chiefly in the latter part of those ten years, 
some of the few Presbyterian clergymen living west of the mountains in 
Pennsylvania, were in the habit of giving instruction in the Languages and 
Sciences to young men whose object in their studies was the gospel ministry. 
The Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith and John M'Millan were distinguished in 
their devotion to this cause. They both settled in congregations in Washing- 
ton county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith had a small building erected in a 
corner of the garden, called ' the students' room,' too small to bo dignified 
with the name of a hall. And Mr. M'Millan had a small log-cabin built, 
near his log dwelling house, known to this day by the appellation of the 
'Log-Cabin.' In these primitive seminaries, &c." Here is certainly a 
statement from an important witness — by far the most competent, in tho 
judgment of Dr. Carnahan, on the subject. For he expressly tells Prof. 
Patterson that his father is, perhaps, "the best living witness in regard to 
the origin of Latin schools west of the mountains ;" and he gives his 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 403 

reasons for so regarding him. Now, in the above statement, carefully made 
at his leisure, in his study, without the presence of any one putting ques- 
tions to him, or by any possibility guiding him unconsciously in any 
particular direction — this "best living witness" says "between 17S0 and 
1790, and chiefly in the latter part of these ten years, (that is between 1785 
and 1790,) some few Presbyterian clergymen, &c." Would not any one 
who is not strongly committed to a foregone conclusion, infer that according 
to the best of Mr. Patterson's recollections these Latin schools were opened 
during and after 1785 ? And when he goes on twice to speak first of Mr. 
Smith and his school — that his impression was that he was at least as early 
is any other in this movement? that his school did not follow Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's ? that it was, at any rate, quite as early ? He shows, also, that ho had 
some minute and particular reminiscences about both schools. If after all, 
Dr. McMillan's school, as a Latin school, was in full operation five years 
before this time, could he have been ignorant of that fact, when he 
evidently knows so much about it, in other respects ? And if he was not 
ignorant of the earlier origin of the Log-Cabin school, how can we possibly 
explain the whole passage? If ho had designed to ignore the earlier origin 
of Dr. M'Millan's school, and to lead us completely into a chronological 
orror, could he have used any different or stronger languago ? In fino, we 
think this whole statement of the Rev. Robert Patterson presents a serious 
objection to the conclusions which the Professor has adopted. Wo shall not 
comment upon the manner in which the Professor disposes of this testimony 
of his father. We think that here, at least, he signally fails in his attempt 
to get out of this difficulty, by making the testimony, in effect, the very 
reverse of what it naturally means. 

(2.) The Rev. Joseph Patterson's memorandum seems to us fairly to 
imply not only that there were no colleges, academies, &c, but that there 
were no similar schools or seminaries to that to which he repaired. If there 
was an older and larger institution, then, at Dr. M'Millan's, with young men 
preparing for the ministry, a log-cabin, Latin school, &c, he would not, in 
our judgment, have expressed himself just as he did. " There being no 
places of public education in this country, I, with a few others, studied with 
the Rev. Joseph Smith." 

(3.) The statement given by Mrs. Irwin presents a strong objection to 
Prof. Patterson's conclusions ; and so far from being weakened by his vig- 
orous attack, has rather gathered strength from tie critical ordeal through 
which it has passed. We would here state that we adopted a precisely simi- 
lar course to that described in Prof. Patterson's paper, in the case of Mrs. 
Park. We took down Mrs. Irwin's statement immediately after the inter- 
view. Several months afterwards we enclosed it to the Rev. Mr. Smith, of 
Marysvillo, requesting him to read it to her, and ascertain whether it was cor- 
roct. A copy of this letter and his answer are before us, but we think it 
unnecessary to insert them. The result was, that we obtained perfect assu- 



404 APPENDIX. 

ranee that we had her precise statement. It was to this effect : " That sho 
was between twolve and fifteen years of age, living near Mr. Smith's, one 
of his spiritual children, took a great interest then in what Mr. Smith did, 
in this matter, and all her life after, familiarly remembered the following 
facts, viz : that in 17S5, Mr. Smith, of Buffalo and Cross Creek congrega- 
tions, opened a school for assisting and training young men for the gospel 
ministry; that Mr. McGready, Mr. Brice, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Patterson, 
began their course with him, Mr. James Hughs soon after joining them ; that 
Mr. McGready came from Dr. M'Millan's, with whom he had been living, 
not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm; that five congregations, 
through the ladies, united in furnishing these students (with the exception 
of Mr. McGready) with clothing, viz : Buffalo, Cross Creek, Chartiers, Bethel 
and Ten Mile ; that they made up summer and winter clothing for several 
of these young men, (coloring linen for summer wear in a dye made of new 
mown hay;) that this was the first movement made for preparing young men 
for the ministry ; that there was no such school at this timo at Chartiers, nor 
until after the one at Buffalo was discontinued ; that Mr. M'Millan and tho 
Chartiers ladies took their share in this effort to sustain the school at Buffalo, 
Mr-. McGready coming from Dr. M'Millan's to the school." Now, this entire 
statement, which is only partially given in the paper under review, contains 
some remarkable points. In the first place, its singular, yet wholly unde- 
signed coincidence with tho statements of the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson 
and Robert Patterson, are especially worthy of notice. The three statements 
taken together form a threefold cord, not easily broken. This is an element 
of its strength not heretofore noticed. In the second place, her minute and eir- 
cuibstantial account of the concerted measures taken in all the congregations 
for sustaining the school, could not possibly have been a mere fiction of her 
fancy. It must have been so. And it proves not only how clear was her 
memory in the case, but that it is exceedingly unlikely that at the same time 
there was a similar school at Chartiers. In tho third plaoo, tho spocific state- 
ment that Mr. McGready came from Dr. M'Millan's to this school, carries 
with it great force, as proving that a similar school was not then in operation 
at Chartiers. In the fourth place, Mrs. Irwin's qualifications as a witness in 
the case, are thoroughly endorsed by her minister and Dr. W3'lie. But her 
testimony has been assailed, first because she knew, or at least said, nothing 
about the Ten Mile school ; and even the author of " Old Redstone" is repre- 
sented as " entirely having set it aside," on this account. Now this is a 
sheer mistake. The fact of her silence in reference to Mr. Dodd's school, is 
distinctly recognized and accounted for. The truth is, Mrs. D-win ignores 
that school precisely in the same way that Mr. Doddridge, nearly forty years 
before, in his " Notes on the Life and Manners of the Western Settlers," 
giving an account of the first movements in the cause of education, ignored 
it ; and just as Rev. Messrs. Joseph Patterson and Robert Patterson also both 
ignored it. When not ono of these made tho least allusion expressly to the 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 405 

Ten Mile school, it is not strange that Mrs. Irwin does not. But, in the soc- 
ond place, it is thought that the error she committed about Mr. McGready 
being a laborer on Dr. M'Millan's farm vitiates her whole testimony. (The 
legal maxim is, "Faluns in uno, falsue in omnibus/" not " ignarus in nno, 
ignarus in omnibus.") Much pains are taken to refute this statement; and 
the testimony of Mrs. Harper and Mrs. Park is adduced to show how utterly 
erroneous it was ; and quite an eloquent and moving representation is given 
of the odious light in which it places Dr. M'Millan — how that he, forgetting 
or disregarding tho injunction of his preceptor, Dr. Smith, of Pequea, for 
near ten years took a young man that had been sent to him all the way from 
North Carolina, in order that he might train and educate him for the minis- 
try, and set him to work for him on his farm ! Now, wo have no doubt, this 
was a mistake, or an inadvertence on the part of Mrs. Irwin. And yet it 
was not strange that she made such a statement. About that unimportant 
circumstance, she had heard what was true, in part, at that time, viz : that 
Mr. McGready was not then engaged in regular study ; but was known or 
seen to be, sometimes, at the Doctor's, aiding in farming operations — at 
least in looking after the Doctor's affairs in his absence, as Mrs. Harper 
admits. The position of Mr. McGready, at that time, is no doubt correctly 
given by those ladies. We will further add, that we have learned, from a 
very intelligent source, that Mr. McGready, during the summer of 1785, 
took the small-pox and lay very low for some time, so that his life was nearly 
despaired of— that he slowly recovered, and that the first time he was able 
to go abroad, he attended a sacramental meeting in the Mingo Creek settle- 
ment, where Mr. Smith was assisting Dr. M'Millan on tho occasion ; and that 
under the preaching of Mr. Smith, Mr. McGroady was brought under deep 
spiritual exercisos of mind, which resulted in a hearty surrender of himself 
to his Saviour and his service ; that ho continued to regain his health and 
strength, but was still unable, for some time, to apply himself to regular 
studies. On the opening of Mr. Smith's school, he repaired to Buffalo. He 
had already made some progress in his preparatory course, even before ho 
left North Carolina; and whilst teaching the English school for Dr. M'Mil- 
lan, of which Mrs. Harper testifies, for she was his pupil. He prosecuted his 
studies with Dr. M'Millan, just as others did, both before and after this time ; 
but there being no regular arrangement for classical studies at Chartiers, he 
went, no doubt with the consent of Dr. M'Millan, to Buffalo. Now, this 
circumstance of his going to Buffalo, which is not, and cannot bo called in 
question, is a strong presumptive evidence that, as Mrs. Irwin says, " there 
was no such school, at this time, at Chartiers." There is not any force, in 
our judgment, in tho attempt to show that Mrs. Irwin's statement would 
involve a reflection on Dr. M'Millan, as having neglected the injunction of 
his old teacher, Dr. Smith. We have no doubt, that as soon as ever the 
great revival (which began in the fall of 1781, and continued with sigual 
power the following year,) brought out a number of pious, devoted young 



406 APPENDIX. 

men, Dr. M'Millan took measures to help them in their studies for tho min- 
istry. But scarcely any of these fruits of the revival were brought out in 
his pastoral charge, though, in- other respects, the results of this blessed sea- 
son were most abundant, both in Chartiers and Pigeon Creek. But though, 
in subsequent years, many ministers were raised up in these congregations, 
it was not so during the first eight or nine years of the Doctor's ministry. 
Facts and records will clearly show this. Notwithstanding, we have no 
doubt that Dr. M'Millan opened the way and welcomed to his house any that 
desired to receive his instructions. Bui Jho " Latin School" was not, as we 
think, the prominent matter from the beginning. His English school was 
early organized, and generally taught by those who were reciting, at his own 
house, to himself, in languages and sciences. And occasionally one or more 
students of the same description were also with him, besides the teachers ; 
such, perhaps, as Abraham Scott.* 

(4.) Dr. Carnahan's statement, though in part "of a derivative character," 
furnishes much support to the testimony of the witnesses already cited. It 
is true, that the greater part of what Dr. Carnahan states, he got from Mr. 
Wilkins. But he shows how much weight is to be attached to Mr. Wilkins' 
account. Dr. Carnahan regarded him as an intelligent man, and perfectly 
reliable. For he had lived with Dr. M'Millan during the very period under 
consideration — during the time that Mr. Ross was there. He knew all 
about Mr. Ross, and his family, and his former history. He expressly stated 
to Dr. Carnahan that Mr. Ross was engaged to teach the Doctor's children, 
and those of the neighborhood, while ho himself studied Latin with the 
Doctor. This gentleman remembered nothing of James Hughs, John Brice, 
R. Marshall and others studying Latin and Greek there. At least Dr. Car- 
nahan does not remember that he ever spoke of them. But the strongest 
point in Dr. Carnahan's testimony is, that he never heard any thing at 



*That Mr. Dodd and Mr. Smith should have a little preceded Dr. M'Millan in the 
cause of classical instruction is not only probable, from local causes, viz : that those 
who first begin to look forward to the ministry were principally residing in their 
congregations ; but also from the prominent characters of these two ministers. A 
decided turn for energetic action and for devising measures promptly for carrying on 
the great interests of the church, characterized these men. On the other hand, Dr. 
M'Millan's mind was eminently conservative. He was wise in counsel. He was an 
able defender of the " old paths." His miml was not of the inventive order. He was 
not ecclesiastically a De Witt Clinton or a Henry Clay, but much more a John Mar- 
shall. He was not the Luther or Calvin of the West, but rather the Melancthon, or 
the Turreline, or the Beza. He did not originate or lead forward the missionary move- 
ment in behalf of the western Indians. That honor must be assigned to Messrs. 
Maeurdy, James and Thomas Hughs. Marquis, and others. So some of thoso men, 
with Dr. Anderson, led the way in the temperance cause, and in the Sunday school 
cause. The post unanimously assigned to Dr. M'Millan was to give theological 
instruction, and, for more than thirty years, to aid in training young men, for tb-jir 
great work of preaching the everlasting gospel. 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 407 

variance with this general account during all the time that he lived at 
Oanomburg, — nor until he met with a different view, given by his old 
friend, Dr. M. Brown, and even then he could recall nothing that shook his 
confidence in Mr. Wilkins' statement* Prof. Patterson, besides describing 
this testimony as " of a derivative character," (and therefore more closely 
resembling a large mass of his own testimony,) has taken several exceptions 
to this statement of Dr. Carnahan. But we shall not attempt to follow him 
in his criticisms. We hopo the reader will give them all the force they 
merit. Neither do we think it necessary to travel over the whole ground in 
company with Prof. Patterson's witnesses, many of whom we know are of 
the most respectable character. The testimony of Dr. M'Millan's children 
claims very great respect. The statements of the late venerable Mr. John 
M'Millan, about what he heard his father say, are certainly strong. But it 
would not be difficult to show how they might all be accounted for, without, 
in the slightest degree, impeaching the voracity of either father or son, and 
yet leaving the general conclusion supported by such witnesses as Rev. 
Robert Patterson, Rev. Joseph Patterson, Mrs. Irwin, Mr. Wilkins, and Dr. 
Wylie, unshaken. And so with regard to the testimony of the late Mrs. 
Jane Harper, f Her testimony, indeed, is a little on both sides ; for she 

* The entire statement of Dr. Carnahan, as given by Prof. Patterson, was read oyer 
slowly and distinctly to Dr. Addison, of Pittsburgh, son of the distinguished Judge 
Addison, and one of Mr. Ross' executors by his will, and who is known to be more 
intimately acquainted with Mr. Ross' history than any one now living. He assured 
us that Dr. Oarnahan's account might he fully relied on as perfectly true. In his 
vivacious manner he added : ° It is, every word of it, gospel." He further confirmed 
Dr. Oarnahan's account of Mr. Ross' scholarship. He likewise confirmed Mr. Wilkins' 
statement of the earlier history of Mr. Ross ; and further related the circumstance 
that accounted for Mr. Ross' sudden and almost instantaneous rise at the bar, as soon 
as he commenced practice as a lawyer. 

t Tins venerable lady has recently died. In an obituary notice, published in the 
" Banner and Advocate," respecting Mrs. Jane Harper, widow of the late Samuel 
Harper, Esq., and eldest daughter of the late Rev. John M'Millan, D. D., it is stated, 
(the italics are ours.) : "Mrs. Harper passed through eventful times in the civil and 
religious history of Western Pennsylvania, of much o f which her mind was an 
accurate repository, &c. She had a kind remembrance of James Ross and James 
McGready — the former of whom became an eminent lawyer and statesmen ; the 
latter a renowned Evangelist and pastor in Kentucky. They had lived in her 
father's family, and Irnd b&m hrr teachers. The former had taught a Latin and English 
school in a log-cabin, near her father's house, while he was pursuing his legal 
studies ; which of course was prior to 1781, for in that year he was admitted to the 
bar, and entered at once upon a large practice. Mrs. Harper always asserted that 
those annalists of the Western church, who postpone her father's log-cabin school to 
a later date then those of the Rev. Joseph Smith, on Buffalo, and Rev. Thaddeus 
Dodd, on Ten-Mile, are in error. She said her father's wag started before either 
of them, in a rude log-cabin, near the house, which was soon afterwards burnt down ; 
whereupon Mr. Ross left, and all the pupils except Mr. MXJready, who remained in 



408 APPENDIX. 

remembers about Dr. M'Millan's English school, and who taught, it, Ac. 
But the most important witness is the venerable Mrs. Park. That she, at 
the age of eighty-five, has given the honest impressions which she recalled 
of hor childhood and youth, we have not tho smallest doubt. It has seemed 
to us, however, that she has blended the reminiscences of difforent dates in 
such a manner, that, in a way perfectly natural, she has thrown back upon 
earlier years impressions of later periods. Wo appeal to oil who have been 
conversant with very aged persons, whether this has not often been noticed. 
It is also surprising to find that her memory fails on certain particulars, 
when we might have expected as much distinctness of recollection as in 
other eases. She remembers nothing of Mr. Ross being a scholar as well 
as a teacher — nothing of Mr. McGready's teaching — nothing of Dr. 
M'Millan's English school. Her impressions about certain young men may 
possibly belong to a period a few years later than sho supposes.* Her entiro 
testimony about the hooks and about the Latin school may easily be 
accounted for in the same way. It seems to us, indeed, that her testimony 
warrants the conclusion that clasic.il studies were, at an early period, 
pursued by different persons at the Doctor's own house, and sometimes by 
the assistance of the teacher, such may have been the case in reference to 
Mr. Hoss. As to the testimony of the Hon. H. M. Brackenridgo — of the 
children of George White, (who went to qualify himself to teach an English 
school,) of Dr. Colver, &c, &c, wo are perfectly willing to admit that much 
of it is forcible — though "of a derivative character," and that taken 
togethor it makes out a plausible, perhaps a strong case, f We cannot close 
this paper without a few additional remarks. The argument from tho 
silenco of the record of Redstone Presbytery is apparently misunderstood ; 



the family, and worked on the farm, until Mr. Smith started his school, where he 
wont then. A few years afterwards another log-cabin for the school was erected and 
its labors resumed, this being the one upon which the chroniclers referred to based 
their statements. Such briefly is her explanation of the current anachronism, as 
given to the writer of this a few months before her death." This entire statement 
lends strong confirmation, in our judgment, to the view we have taken about tho 
earlier character of Dr. M'Millan's school, and the true date of the Latin school. 

* "I think Mrs. Harper was mistaken in the time she says D, Smith, McGrcady, 
and Brice were at Dr. M'Millan's Log-Cabin." — Rev. Dr. WyiU, in letter above cited. 

f Some estimate may he formed, perhaps, of the weight to be attached to tho 
greater part of all the testimony 'which Prof. Patterson has collected; and to the 
present current tradition-; about Canonsburg, if we only consider how evory one 
of these witnesses would have answered the questions: "Did Jefferson College 
originate in the 'Log-Cabin 1 school?" "Is this, to the best of your knowledge, the 
prevailing tradition and opinion around Canonsburg?" Would not both these 
questions be answered promptly and unanimously in the affirmative? And yet does 
not every one nmu see from the testimony of Dr. C. Dodd, and of Dr. M'Millau him- 
self, as already given, that this was not the case f 



THE ORIGIN OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 409 

and the attempt to refute it misses the point at issue. But before we bring 
this distinctly to view, we must first clear the way a little. Let it then be 
remembered that it is claimed for Dr. M'Millan, that in pursuance of the 
injunction of Dr. Smith of, Pequea, he immediately after his settlement west 
of the mountains, sought out some suitable young men and began to train 
them in Latin and Greek, Ac, — therefore his Latin school must have 
preceded all others. It is replied, in the first place, that Dr. M'Millan's 
account of that charge of his old preceptor justifies no such construction of 
it as is now attempted to be given to it. Let it again be carefully examined, 
and wo are confident this will be seen. In the second place, Dr. M'Millan's 
statement, in his letter to Dr. Carnahan, of what ho actually proceeded to do 
in order to carry out that charge, gives no intimation of the precise time 
when he succeeded in accomplishing this object. It is altogether an 
inference, arising from a foregone conclusion, — to make it refer to the first 
years of Dr. M'Millan's settlement. But further we allege, in reply, that 
when Dr. M'Millan states in his manuscript what he does not state in his 
letter to Dr. Carnahan, who those were that he thus gathered around him to 
train and instruct, he mentions several persons who had been previously 
with Mr. Dodd and Mr. Smith, and does not give the name of a single one 
that preceded them. His language in this manuscript, which is dated 
Tanuary, 1832, from which he copies extensively, but not entirely, in his 
letter to Dr. Carnahan, written two months after, viz : March 26th, is 
precisely this : " When I determined to come to this country, Dr. Smith 
enjoined it upon me to look out for some pious young men, and educato them 
for the ministry ; for, said he, though some men of piety and talents may go 
to a new country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up others, the 
country will not be well supplied. Accordingly I collected a few, who gave 
evidence of piety, and instructed them in the knowledge of the Latin and 
Greek languages, some of whom became useful, and others eminent, ministers 
of the gospel, viz : James Hughs, John Brice, James McGreacly, William 
Swan, Samuel Porter and Thomas Marquis. All these I boarded and 
taught, without any compensation, except about forty dollars which Mr. 
Swan gave to my wife after he was settled in the ministry. I had still a 
few with me when the academy was opened in Canousburg, and finding 
that I could not teach and do justice to my congregation, I immediately 
gave it up and sent them there. For an account of the revivals of religion, 
which took place in the congregation, I must refer you to the Western 
Missionary Magazine, vol. 2d, page 353." Now, this is the record from 
which the Doctor gave only a part, or an extract, in his letter written two 
months afterwards to Dr. Carnahan. The italics are ours. We again affirm, 
that it contains not a syllable to show that Dr. Smith meant that he would 
have Dr. M'Millan to begin, forthwith, his efforts for training young men — 
but only that Dr. M'Millan should keep this object in view, and in due time 
when the way would be open, that he should proceed in this good work. 

35 



410 APPENDIX. 

And we further affirm, that it contains not a syllable to show that Dr. 
M'Millan put any other construction upon it; and further still it shows, 
when he did set about this matter, what he did and how he proceeded, and 
with whom he began the whole enterprise. By his saying: "accordingly I 
collected a few, who gave evidence of piety, and some of whom became 
useful, &c, viz : James Hughs, John Briee," &c. we are fully warranted in 
saying that he speaks of these as a part of his first students. If this con- 
struction is not sustained by the whole drift of the passage, we aye altogether 
at fault. Indeed, it seems to us strange, that any attempt should be mads 
to prove the earlier date of Dr. M'Millan's school from this letter to Dr. 
Carnahan. It seems to assume that Dr. M'Millan was charged with 
beginning an enterprise, without any consideration whether there wore 
materials with which to begin it, or not. 

Again it is suggested that his school must have been before 1781 ; for it ia 
urged he is stating things in chronological order; and he introduces his 
account of the revivals, which began that year after his account of his 
school, and therefore the school must have preceded it. And yot in the very 
sentence before, he mentions the death of his wife in 1819; a statemont 
manifestly out of chronological order. Nor can it be said that this state- 
ment about Mrs. M'Millan's death was introduced in connection with an 
account of his marriage, Ac. For he had mentioned that some distance back 
in his narrative. And after that, he proceoded to tell of his removal, of his 
Log-Cabin, and the incidents connected with his beginning house-keeping, 
Ac. And we have already quoted from his manuscript his manner of referring 
to the revivals. But he does not, as in his lettor to Dr. Carnahan, give a 
farther statement about them. Indeed, this circumstance, together with 
other peculiarities about the manuscript, its date, its beginning with an 
account of the Doctor's family, &c, lead us to believe that ho had it before 
him when ho wrote to Dr. Carnahan, transcribing some parts, altering others, 
and omitting others. That important " viz.," in the passage about his school 
is not in his letter to Dr. Carnahan. But it is in the manuscript, and gives 
it peculiar point and significance. Those throe expressions — " accordingly 
I collected a few"— "some of whom" — "viz." — are all inseparably joined, 
and fully bear us out in all that has been said about Dr. M'Millan's telling 
as with whom his Latin school began. Now, it was in view of this account 
of tlio matter that wo regard the silence of tho records of Redstone Presby- 
tery as very significant, and confirming our construction of what Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's account means. It is contended by our opponents that Dr. Smith 
meant that Dr. M'Millan must begin what he had enjoined on him very soon 
after he would settle in the West. It is further plead that Dr. M'Millan so 
understood him, and so did proceed " to look out for some pious young men 
and educate them for the ministry." Now, then, confronting all this strange 
construction and argument, we ask, that since Dr. M'Millan settled in tho 
"West, in 1778, and therefore they say, soon began his Latin school for pioua 



THE ORIGIN OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 411 

young men, how comes it to pass that we hear nothing of them, nor indeed 
of any young men coming forward to put themselves under the care of the 
Presbytery, till August 15, 1786— nearly eight years after Dr. M'Millau 
settled at Chartiers ? We think that if ho were really training young men 
for the ministry, for some years before this, wo would surely find it out by 
the records of the Bedstone Presbytery. But they are silent. And when 
they do proceed to tell us of the first four or five candidates, it seems they 
were first students at Ten Mile and Buffalo, not at Chartiers. We really 
think these old records tell a very straight- for ward story. 

We are aware that it has been said, and testimony introduced to prove it, 
that Messrs. Brice and Hughs, and D. Smith, were all at Dr. M'Millan's 
before they were at Ten Mile or Buffalo. But we more than doubt this state- 
ment. Wilkics had no remembrance of them. Neither Dr. Cephas Dodd, 
nor Dr. Lindley, nor Dr. Wylie, had this impression. If D. Smith was 
there, he was a small boy, in the English school ; which is possible. As to 
Messrs. Brice and Hughs, who were licensed in 1788, there is no reason to 
think, that in those times, they began their education seven or eight years 
before. Mr. McGready was not out from North Carolina long at Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's, bofore he was taken sick — so we have been told — in the spring of 1785. 
As to his having been there in 1782 or 1781, we regard it as utterly improb- 
able. By the way, if the attempt to ridicule Mrs. Irwin's expression, 
* laborer on the farm," by showing what a prodigious gonius ho must have 
been to have had an exegesis assigned him, April, 1787, so short a time after 
ho loft the plow, — if all this, wo say, has not been sufficiently answered, we 
«""'■' merely add that these exegeses wore, in those days, often given to 
young men after they had been but a short time engaged in their classical 
studios. As to what is said by the Hon. H. M. Brackenridge, about his 
father, on his way to Washington Court, calling at the Log-Cabin school, 
and hearing some of Mr. Boss's Latin scholars, we think there is some mis- 
take. It is evidently supposed that this school was on or near the road-side, 
which was not the case. It was near two miles off the present Washington 
road. And if there was one that led nearer to Dr. M'Millan's, it was still 
quite distant from the Log-Cabin.* If he did call, turning out of his way, 
it is more likely, we submit, that he may have heard Mr. Boss himself, or 
givon him some assistance in construing a passage or two.f 

Let us now briefly state what we regard as resulting from this investiga- 
tion, on both sides. Dr. M'Millan removed with his family to Western Penn- 
sylvania in the fall of 1778. For some time his domestic circumstances, and 



* We have since learned that the other old Washing'on road was still further from 
Dr. M'Millan's than the present stage road. 

f Judge Brackenridge, in his "Incidents of the Western Insurrection," page 14, 
speaks of Mr. Ross as "just beginning at the bar iu 1787." IIo might have been at 
the Log-Cabin as late as 1785 or 1786. 



412 APPENDIX. 

his arduous pastoral and missionary labors engrossed all his time ; and the 
distracted state of the country- also continuing, he did not begin his school 
enterprise till about 1781 or 1782. Though with the ultimate view of mak- 
ing it, in part, a classical school, it was, for some time, mainly an English 
school, taught by Mr. Ross, Mr. McGready, and others. He, nevertheless, 
at his own house, assisted these and others in classical studies, more or less. 
Mr. Dodd began his Classical, Scientific and English school in 1781 or 1782. 
In the fall of 1785, Mr. Smith bogan his school, exclusively for young men 
studying for the ministry, and taught them, not in theology, but in the lan- 
guages and sciences, with the exception of Mr. Joseph Patterson, who, per- 
haps, studied part of tho sciences and read theology under his direction. 
Mr. Smith, both from want of health and from increased demands for 
pastoral and ministerial labors, was led, in the course of a year or two, to 
give up his school ; and the young men repaired to Dr. M'Millau's, together 
with some others. Then, for a period of three or four years, this school 
flourished, and was prominently what Dr. M'Millan always had in view — a 
Latin school. In the mean time, he and others, failing to get an academy 
successfully in operation, in Washington, united with the members of tho 
Academy and Library Company, in and around Canonsburg, to get the 
Academy into full operation there. He then gave up his school, as the con- 
venient neighborhood of the Academy enabled him so to do, to his great 
relief and satisfaction. As he was prominently instrumental, both at Wash- 
ington and Canonsburg, in laying the foundation of this first Literary Insti- 
tution in the Valley of the Mississippi, he may well be regarded as its almua 
pater. 

We will only further add, that whether Prof. Patterson has made out his 
ease or not, he has brought to light much that reflects the highest honor on 
Dr. M'Millan and his coadjutors- — that the friends of Jefferson College and 
of education are under deep obligations to him for his able and patient 
researches ; and for the talented effort he has made for the imperishable 
renown of that great and good man, who made such sacrifices of toil and 
expense, and of time and trouble, in the cause of education and Christianity. 

There are some scores of things which we had designed to notice, but we 
gladly dismiss them all, and leave the reader to the result of his own 
reflections. 

After we had prepared the preceding remarks upon Prof. Patterson's paper, 
we submitted them, together with that paper, to a professional friend, who 
has long been familiar with legal investigations, and with examining wit- 
nesses, Ac. He kindly furnishes us with a paper containing the result of 
his impressions and conclusions, after carefully examining the testimony 
adduced by E. P. In this paper he has gone into a much more careful 
scrutiny of the whole subject, than we have been able to give it. But 
though it is committed to our disposal, its great length, and its rather less 
respectful treatment of the Professor and some of his witnesses, than we 



DR. m millan's manuscript. 413 

can altogether approve, forbid our insertion of it here. It is possible that 
with such alterations as wo think it requires, it may hereafter be given to 
the public. This able, and, we think, conclusive document, furnishes several 
items that would be of special service to us now. But to extract or withdraw 
them for this purpose, would be doing injustico to the whole paper and 
diminish its value, should it be hereafter published. We will only add that 
we are now satisfied that some of the statements about the early classical 
school at Ten Mile are doubtful ; and that an egregious anacronism pervades 
the whole testimony of the Rev. Dr. Lindley — doubtless altogether uninten- 
tional on his part. It will be observed that Dr. Cephas Dodd's account of 
his father's school rests almost exclusively upon what he got from Dr. Lindley. 



DR. M'MIL LAN'S MANUSCRIPT. 

The following is a carefully copied transcript of the manu- 
script referred to in the previous review of Prof. Patterson's 
paper. It was apparently prepared with great care by Dr. 
M'Millan, and left along with his journal, which he had kept 
of his early missionary tours. When, some two months after 
he wrote it, he wrote his celebrated letter to Dr. Carnahan, 
he appears to have placed this manuscript before him ; and 
while he omitted several portions of it, altered some passages 
and enlarged upon others, especially about the revivals, he 
copie i somewhat closely a considerable part of it. It is 
altogether a precious document. The Rev. L. F. Leake, it 
will be seen, drew from it much of his interesting biographical 
sketch. We are not aware that it has ever been heretofore 
published. It will be seen that it completely vindicates all 
that we have heretofore said about it. 

"My father's name was William M'Millan; my mother's 
maiden name was Margaret Ilea ; they were both born and 
lived in the parish of Carmony, in the county of Antrim, 
Ireland. They emigrated to America, about the year 1742, 
and settled in Fagg's manor, in Chester county, Pennsylvania. 
My mother died in the year 1768. My father married again, 
and during the time of the Revolutionary war he sold his 



414 APPENDIX. 

property in Chester county and removed to the western 
country, where he died on the 2d of July, 1792, aged seventy- 
five years. His remains were buried at Chartiers. My 
parents had but six children, who grew up to be men and 
women, viz : three sons and three daughters ; all of whom 
are now dead, except myself, who was the youngest but one 
of the family. I was born in Fagg's manor, on the 11th of 
November, 1752. Before my birth, my parents had some 
children, I think two sons, who died while they were young. 
My father told me that he had promised to God, that if he 
would give him another son, he would call his name John, 
and devote him to his service in the ministry of the gospel : 
accordingly as soon as I had acquired a sufficient degree of 
English literature, I was sent to a grammar school, kept by 
the Rev. Mr. John Blair, in Fagg's manor; where I con- 
tinued until Mr. Blair was removed to Princeton, to super- 
iDtend the college there. I was then sent to Pequea to a 
grammar school, kept by the Rev. Robert Smith. While 
there, the Lord poured out his Spirit upon the students; and 
I believe there were but few who were not brought under 
serious concern about their immortal souls : some of whom 
became blessings in their day, and were eminently useful in 
the Church of Christ ; but they are all now gone to rest. 
It was here that I received my first religious impressions ; 
though as long as I can remember, I had at times some 
checks of conscience, and was frequently terrified by dreams 
and visions in the night, which made me cry to God for 
mercy : but these seasons were of short duration ; like the 
morning cloud and the early dew, they quickly passed away. 
I now saw that T was a lost, undone sinner, exposed to the 
wrath of a justly offended God, and could do nothing for my 
own relief. My convictions were not attended with much 
horror; though I felt that I deserved hell, and that in all 
probability that must be my portion : yet I could not feel 
that distress which I ought to feel, and which I thought I 
must feel before I could expect to obtain relief. I felt also 
much pride and legality, mingled with all the duties which 
I attempted to perform. In this situation I continued until 
I went to college, in the spring of 1770. I had not been 
long there until a revival of religion took place among the 
students ; and I believe at one time there were not more 
than two or three, but what were under serious impressions. 
On a day which had been set apart by a number of the 



dr. m'millan's manuscript. 415 

atudents to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, wbilo 
the others were at dinner, I retired into my study; and 
while trying to pray I got some discoveries of divine things, 
which I had never had before : I saw that the divine law 
was not only holy, just and spiritual, but also that it was 
good, and that conformity to it would make me happy. I 
felt no disposition to quarrel with the law ; but with myself, 
because I was not conformed to it. I felt it now easy to 
submit to the gospel plan of salvation, and felt a calm and 
serenity of mind, to which I had hitherto been a stranger. 
And this was followed by a delight in contemplating the 
divine glory in all his works, and in meditating on the divine 
perfections. I thought that I could see G-od in every thing 
around me. 

"I continued at college until the fall of 1772, when I 
returned to Pequea, and began the study of Theology under 
the direction of the Rev. Robert Smith, D. D. I had great 
difficulties in my own mind about undertaking the work of 
the gospel ministry. However, I at last came to this deter- 
mination, to leave the matter wholly with Gfod ; if he opened 
the way, I would go on ; if he shut it, I would be satisfied ; 
and I think if ever I knew what it was to have no will of my 
own about any matter, it was about this. I passed through 
my trials in the Presbytery of New Castle, and was licensed 
by them to preach the gospel, October the 26th, 1774, at 
East Nattingham. The first winter I spent in itinerating in 
the vacant congregations of New Castle and Donegal Pres- 
byteries. In the summer of '75, I took a tour through the 
settlements in Virginia, between the North and South moun- 
tains. In July I crossed the mountains between Staunton 
and the head of Tygart's Valley, preached in the various 
settlements which I passed through, until I came to Char- 
tiers ; preached there on the fourth Sabbath of August, and on 
the Tuesday following at Pigeon Creek. I then turned my 
course eastward, preached in the different settlements as I 
passed along, and came to my father's about the last of 
October. In the winter I again visited Augusta county in 
Virginia, crossed the mountains in January, and preached at 
Pigeon Creek and Chartiers until the latter end of March, 
1776, wben I returned home; and at a meeting of the Pres- 
bytery, on the 23d of April, I accepted a call, and was 
dismissed to join the Presbytery of Donegal, and on the 19th 
of June, at Chambersburg, was ordained. 



416 APPENDIX. 

"Having now determined to remove to the Western country 
and take charge of the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon 
Creek, I thought it my duty to take with me a female com- 
panion. Accordingly, on the 6th of August, 1776, I was 
married to Catharine Brown, a young woman with whom I 
had been long acquainted, and who, I believed, was a dear 
child of God. She was the youngest child of Mr. William 
Brown, a ruling elder in the congregation of Upper Brandy- 
wine, Chester county, Pennsylvania. He was a very pious 
man, and lived to a great age, being about ninety when he 
died. It being in the time of the Revolutionary war, and the 
Indians being very troublesome on the frontiers, I was pre- 
vented from removing my family to my congregations until 
November, 1778. I however visited them as often as I could, 
ordained elders, baptized their children, and took as much 
care of them as circumstances would permit. When I came 
to this country, the cabin in which I wa3 to live was raised, 
but there was no roof on it, nor chimney, nor floor in it. The 
people, however, were very kind, assisted me in preparing my 
house, and on the 15th of December I removed into it. But 
we had neither bedstead, nor table, nor chair, nor stool, nor 
pail, nor bucket. All these things we had to leave behind 
us ; there being no wagon road at that time over the moun- 
tains ; we could bring nothing with us but what was carried 
on pack-horses. We placed two boxes on each other, which 
served us for a table, and two kegs served us for seats ; and 
having committed ourselves to God in family worship, we 
spread a bed on the floor, and slept soundly until morning. 
The next day, a neighbor coming to my assistance, we made 
a table and a stool, and in a little time had everything com- 
fortable about us. Sometimes, indeed, we had no bread for 
weeks together ; but we had plenty of pumpkins and potatoes, 
and all the necessaries of life, and as for luxuries, we were 
not much concerned about them. We enjoyed health, the 
gospel and its ordinances, and pious friends. We were in 
the place where we believe God would have us to be ; and 
we did not doubt he would provide every thing necessary ; 
and glory to his name, we were not disappointed. My wife 
and 1 lived comfortably together more than forty-three years ; 
and on the 24th of Noveinbei-, 1819, she departed trium- 
phantly to take possession of her house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. When I determined to come to this 
country, Dr. Smith enjoined it upon me to look out for some 



DR. m millan's manuscript. 417 

pious young men, and educate them for the ministry; for, 
said he, though some men of piety and talents may go to a 
new country at first, yet if they are not careful to raise up 
others, the country will not he well supplied. Accordingly 
I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, and instructed 
them in the knowledge of the Latin and Greek languages, 
some of whom became useful, and others eminent, ministers 
of the gospel, viz : James Hughs, John Brice, James 
M'Gready, William Swan, Samuel Porter, and Thomas Mar- 
quis. All these I boarded aud taught without any compen- 
sation, except about forty dollars, which Mr. Swan gave to 
my wife after he was settled in the ministry. I had still a 
few with me when the Academy was opened in Canonsburg, 
and finding that I could not teach and do justice to my con- 
gregation, I immediately gave it up and sent them there. 

" For an account of the revivals of religion which took place 
in the congregation, I must refer you to the Western Mission- 
ary Magazine, vol. 2d, page 353. After the close of the revi- 
val which began in 1802, though upon every sacramental 
occasion some joined the church, yet nothing remarkable took 
place until the fall of 1823, when God again visited this dry 
and parched congregation with a shower of divine influences. 
About sixty joined the church as the fruits of this revival; 
a number of whom were students in the college, and are now 
preaching the Gospel of Christ to their fellow dying men. 
Since that time religion has rather been on the decline, though 
still we are not left without some tokens of the Divine pres- 
ence ; at every sacramental occasion, some have come out 
from the world and professed to take the Lord for their portion. 

" J. M'MlLLAN. 

" January, 1832." 

[Added by another, but unknown hand."] 

" In April, May and June, he took what he supposed to be 
his last visit amongst some of the old churches in the West, 
which he had been instrumental in gathering from the wil- 
derness and supplying with pastors. On the last Sabbath of 
April, and first Sabbath of May, he assisted in dispensing the 
Lord's Supper at Cross Creek and Cross Roads, and preached 
six Sabbaths in Racoon congregation, where he assisted in 
administering the Lord's Supper on the third Sabbath of June. 
During this journey he preached seventeen sermons, with 



418 APPENDIX. 

more than usual fervency ; and it has been since found that 
his labors during this journey were blessed to the spiritual 
quickening and edification of God's people, and the awaken- 
ing of not less than — careless sinners, who have since 
joined themselves to the Lord. During the year 1832, he 
assisted in administering the Lord's Supper fourteen times, 
and preached about fifty times, on occasions leaning on his 
crutch, and in the eightieth year of his age. During the 
year 1833, up to the 16th of November, the time of his 
death, he assisted in administering the Lord's Supper seven- 
teen times, and preached on these occasions about seventy-five 
times, frequently twice on the same day, besides attending to 
exhortations, &c." 



IMPORTANCE OF COLLEGES AND OF CLASSICAL EDUCATION 

EARLY HISTORY OF COLLEGIATE INSTITUTIONS. 

It is one of the most auspicious signs of the times that the 
subject of education is beginning to awaken a deeper and 
more pervading interest throughout the civilized world. Great 
as has been the progress of improvement in the various 
methods of promoting the commerce, wealth and luxury of 
the nations, this progress would afford but little satisfaction 
to the philanthropist, did not the cause of general instruction 
keep pace with the other onward movements of the ag«. It 
must be acknowledged, however, that it requires more effort 
to sustain the interests of education before the public mind, 
than it does to uphold the cause of public improvements, and 
the various methods of accumulating dollars and cents. Yet 
the importance of every judicious method of diffusing science 
and literature is so obvious to every reflecting man, that thosf 
who have been concerned in devising and rearing to maturity 
institutions of learning in cur country, during its earlier life, 
have strong claims, even now, amidst the din of slitting mills, 
and cotton factories, and locomotives, to be remembered with 
gratitude. The attempt has been inai.e, in the foregoing 
pages, to erect an humble monument to the memory of those 
good men, who, nearlj* seventy years ago, constructed the first 
home of classical learning and science west of the mountains — 
the first College in the Valley of the Mississippi. We are 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 419 

aware that not a few call in question the claims of public 
educational institutions to any special regard — alleging even 
that such methods of instruction are neither safe nor wise, 
and in some cases, treating with derision all classical educa- 
tion. It has been long disputed, we know, even among the 
friends and advocates of the most thorough mental training, 
whether a more private, and even domestic system of instruc- 
tion, may not claim the preference over the plan of public 
seminaries. The principal argument urged in behalf of 
humbler forms of institutions, is derived from alleged supe- 
rior advantages in respect to the morals of youth. We are 
not to suppose that those who take this ground are advocates 
of nothing better than, or superior to, our common schools. 
This is not their meaning. They are for the widest curricu- 
lum of studies. But they would have it so managed as to 
supersede the erection of Colleges and Universities. But 
even were such a scheme practicable, it may well be ques- 
tioned whether the superior advantages they claim for their 
system, are not altogether imaginary. If to preserve the 
youthful mind from vicious indulgences, and from exposure to 
moral contaminations, were equivalent to rendering it virtu- 
ous, and confirmed in habits of truth and sobriety, the ques- 
tion might be easily determined. But this is far from being 
the case. A boy may be surrounded by argus-eyed scntiuels, 
that shall give the alarm at every approach of danger — may 
be confined to the society of the most virtuous and upright 
friends and companions — -may be conq>letely secluded from 
every possible access to haunts of vice and dissipation, and 
yet so far from enjoying a vigorous and manly expansion of 
his mental and moral powers, his whole nature may possess 
a feeble and sickly structure, easily tossed about and shaken 
by temptations, and exposed to complete shipwreck in the 
first storm it might be called to encounter. There is a striking 
analogy between the physical and the moral world. As the 
sturdy oak of the forest could never be trained and reared to 
perfection in a close receptacle, attempered by artificial heat ; 
but must rise amidst the heats of summer and the storms of 
winter, and gather strength from the rocking of the tempest; 
so in general it is with man. Educate hiin apart from all 
possible lures of vice and folly, confine his social nature to a 
narrow inch of space, and you attempt to form an oak in a 
hot-house. That plan of instruction, then, appears to us to 
give most promise of success which assumes that youth are 



t 

420 APPENDIX. 

not to be constantly watched and dogged at every step with 
suspicion ; but while it places before them the precepts of 
wisdom and virtue, and throws around them the influence of 
good example, plies every proper incentive to the attainment 
of a useful and honorable life ; and yet throws them, in a 
considerable degree, upon the exercise of their own vigilance 
and caution, amidst surrounding clangers and temptations. 
But let these dangers and temptations be rendered as few as 
is at all compatible with public institutions. Such is the 
character of the academical training which we advocate. 
isuchj we believe, were the views and principles of the good 
men who aimed to found the first college west of the Alle- 
gheny mountains, and sought for it a home in the quiet village 
of Canonsburg. They believed that a college is the place 
most favorable to draw out and excite all the powers of the 
mind. It is a wise and benevolent law of our mental struc- 
ture, that mind is most effectually kindled by coming in con- 
tact with mind. That system of instruction which does not 
duly avail itself of this psychological principle, must be radi- 
cally defective. Besides, emulation is, perhaps, an original 
principle of our nature, and not exclusively the result of 
moral obliquity. It is, we confess, peculiarly liable to abuse. 
But to call it into action, within due bounds, in the educa- 
tional training of youth, is not only perfectly proper and 
admissible, but really important. And this can be much 
better effected in public than in private seminaries. Again, 
at colleges, young men learn their own strength and weak- 
ness — learn to stand erect and to walk ; or, to express it 
without a metaphor, to think and act for themselves. Here 
men are formed. Here manly, independent, thinking men 
are " grown."* 



:: •• The friendships, quarrels, and various intercourse among boys afford 
a thousand opportunities of exhibiting such principles which cannot be had 
in private. The. emulation of glorious deeds inspires them more strongly 
in a crowd of spectators; aud the pulse of honor, of course, beats higher. 
It is further asked if it be not a matter of great importance to inculcate 
ideas of society ; and to imbue the mind with early notions of submission to 
authority and government. He sees the beauty of order, tho utility of law, 
and tho necessity of good government. School hours and school privileges 
have a favorable tendency also to impress upon him a love of liberty, of 
the value of which, a youth brought up at home cannot form an idea. Ho 
may have lessons on all these subjocts; but such lessons must ever be infe- 
rior to a real intercourse with life — seeing with his own eyes and obtaining 
knowledge by his own experience." — Encyclopedia B> itannicnt. Art. College 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. ' 421 

As to those who question the utility of the study of the 
dead languages, as they are called, we rest the defence of 
classical education mainly on the ground of its superlative, 
and long-tested fitness to exercise, train and develop the men- 
tal faculties ; and on the ground of its peculiar adaptation to 
that period of human life in which it is usually pursued. 
Perhaps, however, not less weight should be attached to the 
consideration that this study eminently contributes to culti- 
vate the imagination, and refine the taste. With few excep- 
tions, those whom we recommend to our young men, as models 
of fine writing, were men that drank deeply from the Casta- 
lian fount — that were conducted by the midnight lamp over 
the classic pages of antiquity. Dr. Robertson, when visiting 
as Principal one of the classes of the University of Edin- 
burgh, declared, for the encouragement of young men in the 
prosecution of their studies, that if he had acquired any fame 
as a historian, he owed it entirely to his acquaintance with 
the historians of antiquity. On these and similar grounds 
we vindicate the wisdom and necessity of colleges ; and main- 
tain that a lasting debt of gratitude is due to our first western 
ministers, and their coadjutors, for their early efforts in this 
cause. And if we have told the story of their toils and sac- 
rifices in this good work, and of the delightful and surprising 
results, we shall hope to find some interested readers ; espe- 
cially in sections of our country where similar efforts are now 
in progress, or should soon be made. But "festina lenfe." 

Having, some years ago, directed our attention to the sub- 
ject of the origin and history of seminaries of learning, in 
former ages and other lands, we have been advised by some of 
our literary friends to whom we submitted the matter, to 
place before our readers the following statement, as the result 
of our researches. 

As we tell the story of our first Western College, it may 
not be out of place to attempt a brief historical sketch, in this 
place, of the rise and progress of such institutions. If such 
a subject appears uninviting to any of our readers, we claim 
no right to insist on a hearing for the remainder of this paper. 
A very summary account is all that we here propose. It is 
evident from Strabo and Diodorus, that among the Egyptians 
and Chaldeans, there existed colleges of priests, in which 
literature was cultivated among themselves, and communicated 
to others. The statements, however, about the seminaries of 
these very ancient nations, are not without much obscurity 



422 APPENDIX. 

and uncertainty. Besides, there is, no doubt, a great differ- 
ence between the institutions of these early ages, and our 
modern seats of science. The same vpnark will apply, per- 
haps, with equal force to the schools of the Magi, among the 
Persians ; in which it would appear that considerable atten- 
tion was paid to astronomy and natural philosophy. Among 
the Jews, from the time of Samuel, there existed certain soci- 
eties, in which some were trained to wisdom and piety, and 
exercised themselves in mental efforts under the tuition of 
teachers. This may be inferred, we think, from what is men- 
tioned respecting the companies or schools of the prophets. 
In the following age, we read that the sons of the prophets 
dwelt at Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal. Hence it is not doubted 
by many writers that from the time of Samuel and the fol- 
lowing age, schools of learning were among the Hebrew 
nation. There were more unequivocal marks and proofs, how 
ever, of schools among the Jews after the Babylonish captivity. 
These schools were extensively connected with their syna- 
gogues at Jerusalem, Babylon, and elsewhere ; an incredible 
number of which sprang up and flourished for centuries 
among them. 

It can be very clearly proved, from historical data, that 
there were no public schools, or institutions of learning, 
among the Greeks before the time of Plato. For though 
there were many who before that time furnished various kind; 
of instruction, yet that was rather the enterprise of indivi 
duals then a matter of public concern. It would seem 
indeed, says Conringius, a German writer, that the Athenians 
the most accomplished of the Greeks, granted to their citi 
zen, Plato, in order that they might atone for the crime 
committed against Philosophy, by their condemnation of 
Socrates, the privilege of a grove, in their suburbs. To this, 
the name of Academy was given, from Heeademus, or 
Academus, the name of the man who had constructed the 
grove. From this period, various philosophic schools suc- 
cessively arose to great eminence. But after the brightest 
period of Grecian history had passed away, the wars which 
followed upon the death of Alexander the Great, among those 
who succeeded him, had, in a manner, extinguished learning 
in all that part of the world. Indeed, it would seem to have 
been on the point of becoming utterly extinct, amidst the 
calamities of fchofce times, had it not found a support under the 
patronage of the Ptolemies of Egypt. For the first Ptolemy, 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 423 

! aving erected a museum, or college, for the maintenance 
find encouragement of learned men, and also a great library, 
for their use, drew most of the learned men of Greece thither. 
This library was afterwards augmented, by his successors, 
until it is said to have contained seven hundred thousand 
volumes.* By the detestable cruelties and oppressions of 
Ptolemy Physcon, about the year before Christ, 138, many 
learned men were driven into foreign parts, erected schools, 
and being poor, taught for small fees, and drew immense 
numbers of scholars. Learning thus revived, received a fresh 
impulse through all Greece and Asia Minor; much irr the 
same way as it was in the western world, many ages after- 
wards, upon the final overthrow of the Byzantine Empire, by 
the Turks in 1453. 

At Romp, schools for teaching various branches of useful 
knowledge, had existed from an early period ; but no institu- 
tions of much note existed till the Augustan age. At this 
period, the Greek language was taught under the patronage 
of the court; much attention was bestowed upon the culture 
of polite learning, and the fine arts, and those who con- 
tributed with zeal and success to these studies, were eminently 
distinguished by Augustus Cfesar. But after his death, 
learning languished without encouragement, and was neglected, 
because the succeeding Emperors were more intent upon the 
arts of war and rapine then those more amiable arts and 
inventions, that are the fruits of leisure and peace. A long 
night gradually settled down upon the Roman empire — 
especially the western division of it; and an academical or 
collegiate institution became a "eyenus nigra, rara avis in 
terris." 



* When Julius Csesar invaded Egypt and plundered Alexandria, a large 
portion of this splendid collection was burnt. A part, however, that was in 
a region of the city called Bruchlum, escaped the ravages of the ruthless 
soldiery, and of the flames. Cleopatra afterwards purchased the famous 
library of Pergamos, and added it to that of Alexandria. It was frequently 
afterwards plundered and greatly injured; but again repaired and 
replenished from time to time, until it was finally burnt and destroyed by 
the Saracens in 642. Johannes Grammnticus earnestly begged the Saracen 
general, Amrou Ebnal, for the library. He wrote to the Caliph, Omar, who 
sent him an answer worthy of the fanatical barbarian. "If the books agree 
with the Koran, then there is no need of them ; if not, then they ought not 
to be endured." This immense collection of valuable manuscripts was 
employed for heating the public baths, for more than six months. It has, 
liu.\ .it, been questioned, on plausible grounds, whether the loss of this 
library has been any serious injury to the interests of History or Philosophy. 



424 APPENDIX 






The state of letters in the first threo conturies of the 
Christian era, among the Romans, was not favorable to the 
establishment and growth of literary institutions. These 
were principally in the hands of rhetoricians, sophists and 
grammarians. During this period an academy of some note 
was established or founded at Rome by the Emperor Adrian, 
in which all the sciences were taught There was also a 
renowned seminary at Berytus in Phenicia, principally for 
the education of youth in the science of law. But of all the 
institutions which acquired any considerable notoriety, the 
famous school of Alexandria deserves particular mention. 
During the latter part of this period, Christianity obtained a 
controlling influence over most of those concerned in public 
or private instruction in this place. Clemens Alexandrinus, 
Pantenus and Origen acquired great celebrity in the Christian 
world as instructors. This last remarkable man did more 
than all others to bring learning into countenance and favor 
with the church. The question concerning the excellence 
and utility of learning, had been hotly contested among the 
Christians of this period. From the first ages of Christianity, 
a dislike to pagan learning was pretty general among 
Christians. Many of the Fathers were undoubtedly ac- 
complished in liberal studies ; and we are indebted to them 
for many valuable fragments of authors whose works have 
perished. Proscribed and persecuted as they were, the early 
Christians had not, perhaps, access to the public schools, nor 
much inclination to studies which seemed to them uncongenial 
to the character of their profession. Their prejudices even 
survived the establishment of Christianity. The fourth 
Council of Carthage prohibited the bishops from reading 
secular books. Jerome plainly condemns the study of them, 
except for pious purposes. Constantine and the succeeding 
emperors gave much to seminaries of learning. One of the 
most remarkable occurrences of this period was the bold and 
artful stroke of Julian the Apostate, in taking all the schools 
and seminaries out of the hands of the Christians, and putting 
them under the direction of the pagans, with the avowed 
design of effecting the destruction of Christianity, and the 
restoration of paganism. How far success would have crowned 
his efforts, had his life been prolonged, it is impossible to 
say. It was manifestly a masterly piece of policy, and has 
not been lost sight of or forgotten by many infidels to this 
day. 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 425 

The Jews, during this time, had their schools at Tiberias, 
and in the province of Babylon, at Jara, Naherda and 
Pompeditha. Before the close of the second century, their 
institutions in Tiberias and Jamnia were quite famous. 
Milman has given an interesting account of their seminaries, 
under the Byzantine Empire; also, under the Caliphs, which 
he calls their golden age ; and under the Western Govern- 
ments, since the fall of the Roman Empire. In the fifth, 
sixth, and seventh centuries, some of the Christian Emperors, 
such as Justinian, and Theodosius the Great, bestowed some 
attention on letters. During this period there were public 
institutions in the principal cities, some of them with con- 
siderable claims to eminence ; especially those at Constan- 
tinople, Rome, Marseilles, Edessa, Nisibis, Carthage, Lyons, 
and Treves. But the course of instruction was generally of 
the most jejune and meagre character. A general education 
embraced the seven liberal arts ; that is, Grammar, Arithme- 
tic, Rhetoric, Logic, Music, Geometry and Astronomy. There 
were some schools, towards the close of the sixth century, 
established in certain cathedrals and monasteries, but of a 
very low and miserable description. Nothing connected with 
our inquiries worthy of a moment's pause, meets us until we 
reach the times of Charlemagne, in the eight century. This 
great man, though illiterate himself, was a distinguished 
patron of education. When he ascended the throne, the few 
spots of sunshine, in respect to letters, were to be found in 
Britain and Ireland. To aid him in reviving learning and 
in conducting seminaries, he called from these Isles of the 
West some of their brightest luminaries. We must not omit 
to mention also the famous capitularies of Charlemagne, 
directing schools to be set up in bishoprics and abbeys "to 
learn the Psalms, Singing and Grammar." 

About this time, the Emperor Lotharius convened the 
third Council of Valence, the eighteenth canon of which 
expressly enjoined that schools be set up "for learning and 
singing." Some attempts were made by other provincial 
Councils, and by several bishops, to erect seminaries in 
Catholic churches. But now gross darkness covered the 
people. The highest dignitaries of the church were unable 
to translate the Latin prayers. Few of them could sign their 
names. The most ridiculous blunders were continually made, 
in reading the Latin service of the church. We are told of 
one who had gotten the word "surnpshnus" chanced into 
86* 



426 APPENDIX. 

"rmnnpsinius." Upon having his error pointed out to him, he 
declared, in a rage, he would not give up his " mumpsimus " 
for all their "sunipsiniuses." There is an ancient geo- 
graphical chart, which now remains as a monument of the 
state of Geography in the middle ages. In it the three 
parts of the globe then known are so represented, that 
Jerusalem is placed in the middle of the globe ; and Alexan- 
dria appears to be as near to it as Nazareth. Toward the 
close of the tenth century, scarcely one in Rome knew the 
first elements of letters. In England, Alfred declared he 
could not recollect a single priest south of the Thames, who 
understood the ordinary prayers or could translate them into 
his native tongue. One thing that seriously affected institu* 
tions of learning during these iron ages, was the scarcity of 
books. From the conquest of Egypt, by the Saracens, in 
the seventh century, to the close of the tenth century, the 
Egyptian papyrus almost ceased to be exported from Egypt. 
Parchments, prepared from skins, were dear, and difficult to 
be obtained. But about the latter period, paper began to be 
made from rags. By this admirable invention, not only the 
number of manuscripts increased, but the study of the 
sciences was wonderfully promoted. " The invention of the 
art of making paper out of rags," says Dr. Robertson, "and 
the invention of the art of printing, are two considerable 
events in literary history. It is remarkable that the former 
preceded the first dawning of letters and improvement in 
knowledge, toward the close of the eleventh century ; the 
latter ushered in the light which spread over Europe at the 
era of the Reformation." About this period, there prevailed 
throughout the schools a remarkable division of the sciences 
into the Trivium and Quadrivium : the former embracing 
Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic; the latter, Arithmetic, Music, 
Geometry and Astronomy. But a judgment may be formed 
about the value of this apparently respectable course, when 
it is known that Music was confined to the chaunts of the 
church; and Geometry to the calculations of Easter ; besides, 
that the Trivium formed the Pons Asinorum to nine-tenths 
of the students of those days. But while the night of 
ignorance brooded over Christendom with scarce a twinkling 
star in all the firmament, the Mohammedans of the East and 
of the West, for a period of five hundred years, cultivated 
literature and science with distinguished success. Their 
institutions in Spain, in Africa, and in Asia, attracted 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 427 

thousands of students; and the literary halls of Saragossa 
and Bagdad were crowded with admiring throngs, hanging 
upon the lips of Saracen lecturers. From the ninth to the 
fourteenth century, the Caliphs were patrons of science. In 
all parts, in every town, says Sisinondi, academies and col- 
leges were established, from all which many learned men 
proceeded. Bagdad was the capital of letters as well as of 
the Caliphs ; but Bassora and Cufa almost equaled that city 
in reputation, and in the number of valuable treatises and 
celebrated poems which they produced. Balk, Ispahan, and 
Samarcand were equally the homes of science. The same 
enthusiasm had been carried by the Arabians beyond the 
frontiers of Asia. Benjamin of Tudela, the Jew, in his 
Itinerary, relates that he found in Alexandria more than 
twenty schools for the propagation of philosophy. Cairo 
also contained a great number of colleges ; and that of 
Betzuela, in the suburbs of the capital, was so substantially 
built, that during a rebellion it served as a citadel fur the 
army. In the towns of Fez and Morocco, likewise, the most 
magnificent buildings were appropriated to the purposes of 
instruction ; and these establishments were governed by the 
wisest and most beneficent regulations. But Spain was more 
especially the seat of Arabian learning. It was there that it 
shone with superior brightness, and made its most rapid 
progress. Cordova, Granada, Seville and all the cities of 
the Peninsula rivaled one another in the magnificence of their 
schools, their colleges, their academies and their libraries. 

The Academy of Granada was under the direction of 
Schedmaddin of Murcia, so celebrated among the Arabians. 
In various cities of Spain, seventy libraries were opened for 
the instruction of the public, at a period when all the rest 
of Europe, without books, without learning, and without 
cultivation, was plunged in the most disgraceful ignorance. 
The number of Arabic authors which Spain produced was 
so prodigious, that many Arabian bibliographers wrote learned 
treatises on the authors born in particular towns; or on those 
among the Spaniards who devoted themselves to a single 
branch of study, as philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and 
more especially, poetry. These Arabian scholars contributed 
to kindle the sparks of science through Western Europe, and 
to give an impulse to literature, which has been felt long 
since the whole Mohammedan world has plunged back into 
sullen and barbarous ignorance. Many persons who dis- 



428 APPENDIX. 

tinguished themselves by their proficiency in science during 
the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, were educated among the 
Arabians. Almost all who were eminent for science, during 
several centuries, if they did not resort in person to the 
schools of Africa, or Spain, were instructed in the philosophy 
of the Arabians. The first knowledge of the Aristotelian 
Philosophy, in the middle ages, was acquired by translations 
of Aristotle's works, out of the Arabic. The Arabian com- 
mentaries were esteemed the most skillful and authentic 
guides in the study of his system. From them the school- 
men derived the genius and principles of their philosophy. 
The germs of several academies and universities had been, in 
some manner, formed before the twelfth century. That of 
Paris especially, which eventually rose to the greatest 
pre-eminence, may be traced even to the tenth century. It 
had acquired such fame, even then, that a Monkish writer 
of that age, Peter of Blois, says : "It passed into a proverb, 
that those who were desirous to have any question settled, 
need only go to Paris, where the greatest difficulties are fairly 
resolved/' In its rise, it was composed of artists, who taught 
the sciences and philosophy, and of divines, who made com- 
mentaries on Peter Lombard's Book of Sentences, and 
explained the Scriptures. At first the University was com- 
posed only of scholars and masters. Afterwards they dis- 
tinguished several degrees, and fixed the time they ought to 
study. The degrees were : Bachelor, Licenciate, and Master 
or Doctor. Those were Bachelors who taught publicly. 
They began by reading and explaining the Scriptures; and 
afterwards composed treatises on the Master of Sentences, 
(Peter Lombard.) The former were called Biblicij the 
latter, Seutcntiarii. They bore the name of Bacillarii, or 
Bacalarii, from barilla ; either because they were admitted 
by giving them little wands, or' because they so called the 
novices of the militia, who exercised with sticks, in order to 
learn to fight wilh arms. The University of Bologna also 
pretends to claim a foundation in the fifth century under 
Theodosius IT., and produces a sheepskin parchment, looking 
sufficiently old and musty ! duly signed and sealed by that 
monarch. 

The University of Cambridge also, at one time, seriously 
set up claims to an origin three hundred and seventy years 
before the Christian era ! and produced Anaxagoras and 
Anaximandcr, Grecian philosophers, amongst the list of its 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 429 

professors ! But these, and many other ridiculous pre- 
tensions, which might he mentioned, were hetter suited to 
the times when dynasties of Scottish kings could he traced 
back to the family of Noah, and Welsh pedigrees were 
regularly brought down from Adam ! The establishment of 
colleges or universities is a remarkable era in literary history. 
The schools in cathedrals and monasteries confined them- 
selves chiefly to the teaching of Grammar. There were only 
one or two masters employed in that office. But iu colleges 
professors were employed to teach all the different parts of 
science. The course or order of education was fixed ; the 
time that ought to be allotted to the study of each science 
was ascertained. A regular form of trying the proficiency 
of students was prescribed ; and academical titles and honors 
were conferred on such as acquitted themselves, with approba- 
tion. These new establishments for education, together with 
the extraordinary honors conferred on learned men, greatly 
increased the number of students. In the year 1262, at 
Bologna there were 10,000, and it appears from the history 
of that University, that Law was the only science taught in 
it at the time. 

About the middle of the fourteenth century, there were 
no less than 13,000 students at this famous seminary of 
jurisprudence. In the year 1340, the number of students at 
Oxford is said to have been 30,000. In the same century, 
10,000 persons voted on a question in the University of 
Paris ', and as graduates only were admitted to that privilege, 
the number of students must have been very great. At the 
death of Charles VII., in 1453, the number is stated to have 
been 25,000. There were, indeed, few Universities in Europe 
at that time ; but such a number of students inay neverthe- 
less be produced as a proof of the extraordinary ardor with 
which men applied themselves to the study of science in those 
ages. The discovery of the Pandects of Justinian, at Amalfi, 
in 1135, when the city was taken by the Pisans, is said to 
have led to the revival of the study of jurisprudence. This 
story, however, has been questioned of late, and seems to rest 
on insufficient authority. Seminaries, however, were founded 
at Bologna, at Modena, and at Mantua, for the express pur- 
pose of studying law. New Universities, about this time, 
I also, arose at Naples and Padua, and other places. From this 
I time, the golden age of universities commenced ; and it is 
; hard to say whether they were favored most by their sovereign^ 



430 APPENDIX. 

or by the See of Rome. With Aristotle as the master h 
philosophy, and Peter Lombard and Thomas Aquinas as the 
masters of theology, Rome had nothing to fear. Colleges 
were exempted from the ordinary tribunals, and even from 
those of the church. Their history, indeed, is full of strug- 
gles with the municipal authorities, and with the bishops of 
their several cities ; in which they were sometimes the aggres- 
sors, and generally the conquerors. From all parts of Europe, 
students resorted to these renowned seats of learning with an 
eagerness for instruction which may astonish those who reflect 
how little of what we now deem useful could be imparted. 
The number, in some instances, may be exaggerated. We 
learn from Anthony Wood, the historian of Oxford, that " a 
company of varlets, who pretended to be scholars, shuffled 
themselves in, and did act much villainy in the University; 
thieving, quarreling, &c. They lived under no discipline ; 
neither had they tutors ; but only for fashion's sake, would 
sometimes thrust themselves into the schools, at ordinary lec- 
tures; and when they went to perform any mischief, then 
would they be accounted scholars, that so they might free 
themselves from the jurisdiction of the burghers." If we 
allow three varlets for one student, the University will still 
have been very fully frequented by the latter. We may here 
observe that the exemption of the students from military ser- 
vice and from municipal and ecclesiastical jurisdiction may 
serve to account, in part, for the throngs that attended the 
Universities. By the way, we are indebted to the same quaint 
historian, but honest writer, for the original meaning of the 
word " College." It seems that, in earlier times, the students 
boarded in private families, or in hotels or inns kept by pri- 
vate, irresponsible individuals. The exactions of the persons 
who boarded them, perhaps, by collusion among themselves, 
were in many instances severe and oppressive. The expenses 
of the students awakened so much dissatisfaction with the 
students, their parents and others, that at length measures ' 
were taken by the legal authorities of these great Universities, 
or Public Schools, to furnish the students suitable houses, 
where considerable numbers of them could be accommodated 
with rooms and boarding. These were called Collegia. The 
literary institutions wore not at first so called. They were 
most commonly styled schools, halls, and universities. But, 
in process of time the seminaries themselves, when used also' 
for lectures and recitations, got the name of colleges. Wheni 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 431 

we learn its true origin — that originally it meant rather the 
boarding-house — it reminds us of the name of Pike, now 
given to paved roads, so called first from turn-pike ; and that 
again from the fact that paved roads have generally turn-pike, 
or turn-pole gates placed on them, at intervals, where toll is 
taken. In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, many other 
universities sprang up in different countries. Among these 
may be mentioned those of Padua, Naples, Toulouse, Mont- 
pelier, Salamanca, Orleans, Prague, and Cambridge. A large 
proportion of scholars, in most of these institutions, were 
drawn by the love of science from foreign countries. The 
chief universities had each their own particular department 
of excellence. Paris was unrivaled for scholastic theology} 
Bologna, Orleans, and Bourges, for jurisprudence ; Montpe- 
lier and Salamanca for medicine. Safe passages, even in 
time of war, were granted to students, and secured by solemn 
international treaties. Though this was the period of the 
Inquisition, that institution of religious persecution, first set 
up at Toulon against the Albigenses and Waldenses, yet there 
sprang up almost at the same time, an university in the same 
city. Though it was towards the close of that period rendered 
forever memorable by the Crusades, those fanatical expeditions 
that for near two centuries nearly emptied Europe of all its 
fools, and a large part of all its knaves, yet even this period, 
when superstition was- in the ascendant, it is due to Pope 
Urban V. to bear testimony to his distinguished liberality, in 
supporting and encouraging literature, establishing several 
universities, and from his own resources supporting one thou- 
sand poor students at the different seminaries. The Univer- 
sity of Cambridge, in England, now consisting of twelve 
Colleges and four halls, rose also at this period. Its first 
College or Hall, St. Peter's, was founded in 1257. This 
name it still retains. An attempt was, indeed, made to change 
it, in the seventeenth century. Lady Mary Ramsey offered 
it an additional endowment of a large and spfendrd property, 
if the name would be changed to Peter's and Mary's College 
But Dr. Soame, at that time Master of the College, replied, 
that " Peter had been too long a bachelor to think of a female 
comrade in his old days." " A dear bought jest/' says Ful- 
ler, " for the lady, piqued at the remark, threw her munifi- 
cence into another channel." Clare Hall, and Pembroke 
Hall were next established, and others, in the course of the 
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. There are perhaps now 



432 APPENDIX. 

twenty-five hundred students in this distinguished University. 
In Scotland, several colleges were founded from the fourteenth 
to the sixteenth centuries. The University of St. Andrews 
was founded in 1411. That of Glasgow, in 1454. That of 
Aberdeen, in 1477. But the most brilliant luminary of old 
Caledonia is comparatively of recent origin. The University 
of Edinburgh was founded in 1560. Its establishment was 
violently opposed by the other Universities — viz : of Aber- 
deen, St. Andrews, and especially Glasgow, no doubt through 
jealousy. There are usually upwards of two thousand 
students in attendance. The Institution has no less than 
twenty-seven chairs or professorships : four of law ; eleven of 
medicine, and nine of the arts ; besides three of the Faculty 
of theology. The mode of instruction is by lectures. No 
particular course of academical instruction is followed ; nor 
do the Professors exercise any control over the pursuits of 
the students. The young gentlemen are not distinguished 
by any particular costume. Each attends what lecture he 
pleases, and lives where and how he pleases. 

Those who would make themselves acquainted with other 
institutions in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe, 
may consult Mr. Dwight, and other recent writers In this 
country, the most ancient literary establishment is Harvard 
University, founded at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1688, 
less than twenty years after the landing of the Pilgrims, at 
Plymouth. Yale College wss founded in 1700. Princeton 
College commenced its career in 1738, just one hundred years 
after Cambridge. It was originally called Nassau Hall, but 
is now called the College of New Jersey, or Princeton College. 
Why or when this change in the name was made, we have 
never understood. Colleges have since sprung up and multi- 
plied over the whole land. De Bow, in his census tables for 
1850, gives the whole number of colleges in the United States 
as amounting to two hundred and thirty-nine ; in Pennsylva- 
nia, twenty-two^— number of students in these 3,520 ; in all 
the colleges, 27,821. It would be aside from our purpose to 
give an historical survey of any of these numerous institu- 
tions which now adorn our country. The policy of multiply- 
ing public institutions of learning to such a degree as now 
prevails, has been much questioned. The great danger appre- 
hended is that it tends to lower the standard of education — 
render more superficial the literary and scientific course. Yet 
it cannot be denied that by increasing the facilities of access 



COLLEGES AND CLASSICAL EDUCATION. 433 

to these fountains of science, a greater mass of mind is culti- 
vated, and a larger number of those who are qualified to 
become useful and eminent in public life, are brought within 
the range of this more diffused, if less solid system. There 
are few who cannot point to instances of men now in the first 
ranks of the various professions, who would never have arisen to 
their present position, had they not availed themselves of some 
humble institution where tuition and boarding were so cheap 
as to be within the range of their once humble means. And 
perhaps a very large proportion of the most promising 
description of our youth, will ever be found among those 
whose circumstances compel them to practice the most con- 
stant industry and the most rigid economy, in their efforts to 
enter the paths of science and literature. Among this por- 
tion of our community may we look for the bone and sinew 
of our land. From these have arisen most of the eminent 
men who have rendered important service to our country. 
Jefferson College, in her earliest, as well as in her latest days, 
has ever been the patron and friend of the poor. Some of 
her noblest sons, in all the walks of life, did she train in the 
days of their poverty. 

The sketch we have thus attempted to give of the history 
of the rise and progress of public seminaries, we have not 
deemed unsuitable as a pendant to this work. We have gath- 
ered the historical facts, given above, some years ago for a 
different purpose. But though we may be charged with 
pedantry in encumbering our humble History of a Western 
College with so long a paper, and may, perhaps, be compared 
to Knickerbocker, going back to the creation, in his history 
of New York ; and may be further told that our bach porch 
is too large for our house; we hope, nevertheless, that some 
readers may find some entertainment and gratification in its 
perusal. We found the facts we have given, widely scattered, 
in Brucker's " History of Philosophy/' Hallam's " Middle 
Ages," Sismondi's "History of Literature," Mosheim's 
" Ecclesiastical History," Gribbon's " Decline and Fall of 
the Roman Empire," " The Encyclopedia Britannica," " The 
Quarterly Reviews," &c. 



trustees of tjje College 



FROM THE TIME IT WAS CHARTERED 






Appointed by the Legislature of Pa. January 15th., 1802. 

Rev. John M'Millan, Resigned April 1302. 

Rev. Joseph Patterson, Resigned Sept. 1805. 

Rev. Thomas Marquis, Resigned Sept. 1817. 

Rev. Samuel Ralston, Died 1852. 

Rev. John Black, Died 1 802. 

Rev John M'Pherrin, Resigned Sept. 1804. 

Rev James Power, Resigned Sept. 1806. 

Rev. James Dunlap Resigned April, 1803. 

Alexander Cook, Esq Resigned Oct. 1802. 

James Edgar, Esq Resigned Sept. 1395. 

John M'Dowel, Esq Died 1809. 

James Allison, Esq Died Sept. 1807. 

William Finley, Esq Died April, 1805. 

John Mercer, Esq Resigned Sept. 1S14. 

Craig Ritchie. Esq Died 1833. 

Gen. John Hamilton, Resigned April, 1831. 

William Hughes, Esq .Resigned Dec. 1817. 

Joseph Vance, Esq Resigned Sept. 1810. 

Robert Mahon Esq Resigned Sept. 1824. 

James .Kerr, Esq Died 1835. 

Aaron Lyle, Esq Resigned April, 1822. 



TRUSTEES ELECTED. 

Rev Thomas Moore, Elected Apr. 1802; Resigned Apr. 1814. 

Rev. Samuel Porter, Elected Oct. 1802; Resigned Sept. 1811. 

James Allison, Jr. Esq Elected Oct. 1802 Resigned Sept. 1817. 

Rev. John Riddle Elected Apr. 1803; Resigned Apr. 1805. 

Rey. James Hughes Elected Sept. 1804; Resigned Sept 1814. 

Rev. William Swan, Elected Sept 1804; Resigned Sept. 1824. 

Dr. Samuel Murdock, Elec. Apr. 1805; Resigned April, 1817. 

Rev. John Anderson, Elec. Apr. 1805; Resigned Sept. 1808. 

Rev. James Ramsey, Elec. Sept. 1805; Resigned -Sept 1824. 

William Rhea, Esq Elec. Sept. 1805; Resigned Dec. 1827. 



2 TRUSTEES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 

Eev. William M'Millan Elec. Sept. 1808; Resigned Sept. 1817. 

Thomas Briceland, Esq Elec. Sept. 1809; Died 1819. 

Gen. John Morgan, Elec. Sept. 1807; Resigned Sept. 1817. 

James Mountain, Esq Elec. Sept. 1810; Died 1814. 

Rev. William Wylie Elec. Sept. 1811; Resigned April 1818. 

John M'Donald, Esq Elec. Apr. J 8 14; Died 1831. 

Rev. Elisha M'Curdy Elec. Apr. 1814; Resigned Sept. 1820. 

Rev. Moses Allen, Elec. Sept. 1814; Resigned Mar. 1839. 

Abner Lacock,Esq Elec. Sept. 1814; Resigned Sept. 1817. 

.Rev. Francis Herron, Elec. Sept. 1817; Resigned Mar. 1849. 

Kev. Michael Law Elec Sept, 1 8 17; Died 1822. 

Richard Johnston, Esq Elec. Sept. 1817; Died 1837. 

Benjamin Williams, Esq Elec. Sept. 1817. 

Andrew Munro Esq Elec. Sept. 1817; Died 1841. 

John Reed Esq Elec. Sept. 1817. 

Joseph Clokey, Esq Elec. Dec. 1817; Died — — 

Samuel Logan, Esq. Elec. Dec. 1817, Resigned Sept. 1837. 

Rev. Robert Johnston, Elec. Apr. 1W18; Resigned Sept. 1835. 

Rev. Joseph M'Elroy Elec. Sept. 1819; Resigned 

Dr. Jonathan Letherman Elec. Apr. 1820; Died 1844. 

Rev. Elisha P. Swift,.... Elec. Sept. 1820: Resigned Aug. 1852 

Rev. Thomas D. Band Elec. Apr. 1822; Died Jan. 1839. 

John Phillips, Esq Elec. Apr. 1822, Died 1845. 

Rev. Ashbei Green, D. D Elec. Sept. 1824; Resigned Jan. 1828. 

Rev. William Wilson, Elec. Sept. J 824; Resigned Apr. 1833. 

James Gordon, Esq Elec. Dec. 1825. 

William M'Creery, Esq Elec. Apr. 1826: Resigned Mar. 1839. 

Rev. William Jeffrey Elec. Jan. 1828. 

Dr. D. S. Stevenson, Elec. Sept. 1831; Died 1843. 

William Patterson, Esq Elec. Mar. 1832; Died 1835. 

Rev. William M'Elwee, Elec. Sept. 1833. 

Daniel Houston, Esq Elec. Sept. 18:53. 

Rev. Henry H. Weed Elec. Sept. 1835, Resigned Sept. 1845. 

Hon. Robert C. Grier Elec" Sept. 1835; Resigned Feb. 1855. 

John Hays, Esq Elec. Sept. 1835. 

Hon. H. H. Leavitt. Elec. Mar. 1837; Resigned Oct. 1848. 

James M'Cleland, Esq Elec. Sept. 1837, Resigned Mar. 1853. 

Rev. John T. Pressly, D. D.. .Elec. Mar. 1839. 

Rev. George Marshall, Elec Mar. 1839. 

William Park, Esq Elec. Mar. 1839. 

James M'Cullough. Esq Elec. Sept. 1841. 

Wm. M'Daniel, Esq Elec. Sept. 1844. 

Dr. John V. Herriot, Elec. Sept. 1844; Resigned Aug. 1833. 

Rev. James Sloan E lee. Sept. 1 845. 

William Marks, Esq Elec. Sept. 1845. 

Thomas Nicholson, Esq Elec. Oct 1848. 

Rev. Alex. T. M'3ill, D. D....Elec. Mar. 1849. 

Rev. Wm. M.Paxton, Elec. Aug. 1651. 

Rev. Wm. P. Breed Elec. Dec. 1852; Resigned Aug. 1856. 

Wm S. Calohan, Esq Elec. Mar. 1853. 

Jas. K. Moorhead, Esq Elec. Aug. 1853. 

Jas. P. Sterrett, Esq Elec. July, 1855. 

Rev. Jas. Alexander Elec. Aug. 1856. 






rhuipb anir ^taitntaxs. 



ELECTED; 

April, 1802, Eev. John Watson, Presv and Prof. Languages and Mor- 
al Philoshphy.— Died Nov. 30, 1802. 
" " Eev. John M'Millan, Prof, of Divinity. 
" " Samuel Miller, A. M. Prof. Mathematics and Natural Phil- 
osophy. — Resigned Sept. 1830. 
April, 1803, Rev. James Dunlap, A. M. Pres. and Prof. Language and 
Moral Philosophy. — Resigned April, 1811. 
" 1805, Rev. John M'Millan, D. D. Yice President.— Died Nov. 

16, 1833. 
" 1812. Rev. Andrew Wylie, D. D. President.— Resigned April. 
1816. 
Sept. 1817. Rev. Wm. M'Millan, A. M. President.— Resigned Aug. 
1 8'£<£. 
" 1818* Rev. Abraham Anderson, A. M. Professor Languages. — 

Resigned Sept. 1821. 
" 1821. Rev. Wm. Smith. A. M. Prof. Languages. 
" 1322. Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D. President. — Resigned Sept. 
1845. 
April, 1824. Rev. James Ramsey, D. D. Prof. Hebrew. — Resigned 
Dec. 1852. 
" 1826. Rev. Richard Campbell, A. M. Prof. Languages and 

Mathematics — Resigned 1827. 
" 1830. Rev. John H. Kennedy, A. M. Prof. Mathematics and 
Natural Philoshphy.— Died Dec 15, 1840. 
Sept. " Samuel Miller, A. M. Hon. Prof. Mathematcis.— Died '31. 
March, 1832.Jacob Green, M. D. Prof. Chemistry, Mineralogy, and 
Natural History. — Died Feb. 1851. 
" 1834. C. J. Hadermanu, Esq. Prof. Mathematics and Modern 
Languages. — Resigned Sept. 1836. 
Sept. 1836. Washington M'Cartney, A M Prof. Mathematics and 
Modern Languages. — Resigned Sept. 1837. 
" 1837. Rev. Charles S. Dod, A.M. Prof. Mathematics and Mod- 
ern Languages. — Resigned 1839. 
Mar. 1838. William Darby, Esq. A. M. Prof. History, Geography, 

and Astronomy. — Resigned 1839. 
Feb. 1841. Richard S. M'Culloh, Esq. A. M, Prof. Mathematics, Nat- 
ural Philosopy and Chemistry. — Resigned Sept. 1843. 
" 1841. Rev. A. B. Brown, A. M. Prof. Belles Lettres and Adjunct 
Prof. Languages. — Resigned Oct. 1847. 
Mar. 1841. Henry Snyder, A. M. Adjunct Prof. Mathematics. 



PRINCIPALS AND PROFESSORS. 



a 

erned 



ELECTED: 

Mar. 1843. Rey. Henry Snyder, A. M Prof. Mathematics. — Resig 

Aug. J 850. 

Sept. 1843. S. R. Williams, A. M. Prof. Natural Philosophy and 
Chemistry. — Resigned Aug. 1852. 
" 1844. Rev. Robert W. Orr, A. M. Prof. Civil Engineering, and 
Natural History. — Resigned Dec. 1845. 
Jan. 1845. Rev. R J. Breckinridge, D. D. President. — Resigned 

June, 1847. 
Dec. " Rev. A. B. Brown, A. M. Prof. Belles Lettres, Logic, 
Rhetoric and General History. 
" " Rev. Robert W. Orr, A. M. Prof. Latin Language and 
Literature. — Resigned March, 1852. 
Mar. 1846. Rev. Thomas Beveridge, D. D. Prof. Extraordinary, Ev- 
idences Nat. and Rev. Religion. — Resigned 1855. 
" " John D Vowell, M. D. Prof. Extra. Phisiology and Com- 
parative Anatomy. — Resigned 

Oct. 1847. Revr Alexander B. Brown, D D. President. — Resigned 

Aug. 1856. 
June, 1848. Rev. Robert M.White, A. M Prof. Extra. Rhetoric- 
Died Dec. 1848. 
July, 1849. Rev. Joseph R. Wilson, A. M Prof. Extra. Rhetoric. — 

Resigned 

Aug. 1850. Robert Patterson, Esq. A. M Professor Mathetics. — Re- 
signed Nov. 1854. 
" " Rev. William Wallace, D. D. Professor Extraordinary of 

Moral Science. — Died Jan. 1851. 
" 1852. Rev, William Ewing, A. M Professor Extraordinary of 

History and Modern Languages. 
" " Samuel R. Williams, A. M. Professor Extraordinary of 
Natural Science. — Resigned 1854 
Sept. 1852. Samuel Jones, A. M. Prof. Nat. Philos. and Chemistry. 
Dec. " Rev. Aaron Williams, A. M. Prof. Latin Language and 
Literature. 
" " Rev. Abraham Anderson. D. D. Professor Extra, of He- 

brew. — Died May, 1855. 
Feb. 1855. John Fraser, A. M. Professor of Mathematics. 

" " John B. Stilley, A M. Prof. Extra, of Civil Engineering. 

July, 1855. Rev. John B. Clark, A. M. Prof. Extra, of Hebrew. 
Jan'y 1857. Rev. Joseph Alden, D. D. President. 
Mar. " Rev. A B. Brown, D. D. Professor of Political Economy 
and History. 



riimpals of t\t dolhgt, 



FROM THE TIME IT WAS CHARTERED. 



REV. JOHN WATSON, A. M. 

Chosen Principal, Aug. 29, 1802; died Nov. 30th, 1802. 

REV. JAMES DUNLAP, A. M. 

Chosen April 27th, 1303; resigned April 25th, 1811. 

REV. ANDREW WYLIE, D. D. 

Chosen April 29th, 1812; resigned April, 1816. 

REV. WILLIAM M'MILLAN, A. M. 

Chosen September 24th, 1817; resigned August, 14th 1822- 

REV. MATTHEW BROWN, D. D. LL. D. 

Chosen September 25th, 1822; resigned September 27th, 1845. 

REV. ROBERT J. BRECKINRIDGE, D. D. LL. D. 

Chosen January 2d, 1845; resigned June 9th, 1847. 

REV. ALEXANDER B. BROWN, D. D. 

Chosen October 14th, 1847; resigned August 5th, 1856. 

REV. JOSEPH ALDEN, D. D. 

Chosen January 7th, 1857. 



Qrmni Collie jfatfllfj. 



REV. JOSEPH ALDEN, D. D. 

President and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. 
REV. A. B. BROWN, D. D. 

Professor of Political Economy and History. 
REV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 

Vice President and Professor of the Greek Language, ! 

SAMUEL JONES, A. M. 

Professor of Natural Science. 

REV. AARON WILLIAMS, D. D 

Professor of the Latin Language. 

JOHN FRASER, AM. g 

Professor of Mathematics. 

REV. WILLIAM EWING, A. M. 

Professor Extraordinary of Modern Languages 

JOHN B. STILLEY, A. M. 

Professor Extraordinary of Civil Engineering. 

REV. JOHN B. CLARK, A. M. 

Professor FxtraorJinary of the Hebrew Language 



TUTOR. 
MATTHEW B. RIDDLE, A. M. 



LIST OF aHA.DUA.TES 



OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE, 

Ar.d Others, upon whom Honorary Degrees have been conferred. 



EXPLANATIONS.— m Denotes Minister of the Gospel,— I Denotes Lawyer,— p Denotes 
Physician,—* Denotes Professional Teacher,—* Denotes Deceased,— St Th Denotes 
Student of Theology,— ,SY L Denotes Student of Law,— St M Denotes Student of 

Medicine; — The in the list of names, in any year, denotes that those who 

follow received only Honorary Degrees. Many of these may also be regarded aa 
Alumni; having received their education at this College, but having been pre- 
vented from completing their course. 
The present Post Office address, so far as known, is given. 



1802. 
*Reid Bracken, to 
♦Johnston Eaton, to 

*William M'Millan. raDD Pres't Jeff Coll. 
♦Israel Pickens, I Governor Alabama. 
*John Rhea, itDD 5 

1803. 
♦Andrew M'Donald, to 
•Alexander Montieth, m 
*Cyrus Riggs, to 3 

1804. 

*John M'Donald, I 

*Abrabam Scott, to 

*Daniel Stephens, m 

♦Clement Valandingham, m 

•John White, p £ 

1805. 
^.Moses Allen, to 
^.James Cunningham, m 

James Galloway, to 
*Daniel Hayden, to 
*.Iames M'Connel, 
*Carlos A. Norton. 
*James Patterson, to 
•James Scott, to 

John B. Trevor, I Cashier, Philadelphia. 
♦James Wills, I 
•James R. Wilson, to D D Prof. Theol. 11 



•Rev John M'Millan, AM D D Vice 

Pres't Jefferson College. 
♦Samuel Miller, A. M. Prof Jeff. Coll. 
•Dr Samuel Murdock, A M 
•Rev Samuel Ralston, A M D D Pres't 

Board of Trustees. 
♦Rev James Ramsey, A M D D Prof of 

Hebrew, Jefferson College, 



1806. 

*Thomas Hunt, m 

*Jonathan Leslie, to 

John Reed, Farmer, Washington Co. Pa. 

♦James Scott, m 

George Vaneman, to Van Buren, Ohio. 5 

♦James Dunlap, AM D D Tres't Jeffer- 
son College. 

1807. 
♦James Culbertson, to 
♦William Dunlap, to 
♦John Mattnews, to 
♦Samuel Porter, Jr. to 
♦Joseph Stephenson, to 5 



♦Rev Jnmes Hughes, A M 
♦Rev William Swan, A M 

1808. 

♦Stephen Boyer, to 
♦Ira Condit. to 
♦Joseph S. Hughes, TO 
♦James Smith, to 



♦Rev John Anderson, D D 
♦Rev James Power, D D 

1809. 
♦Jam^s Milligan, to 
♦Christopher Rankin, I Memb. Cong. 
Joseph Scroggs, to Ligonier, Pa. 



♦Rev Samuel Porter, A M 
♦Rev Joseph Clarke, D D 

1810. 
♦John Cannon, to 



8 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



♦Jonathan Gill, m 

James Ilervey, m D D Triadelphia, Va. 

♦William Hendricks, iLLD U. S. Sena- 
tor, and Governor of Indiana. 

♦William Johnstone, ret 

James P. Kerr, p 

Robert Lusk, m 

*John Reed, m 

♦Andrew Wylie, m D D Pres't Jefferson 
and Wash. Colleges, and Ind. Dniv. 9 

1811. 

George M'Cook, p M D Prof. Medical Col- 
lege. Pittsburgh, Pa. 
.Tames P. Mitchell, p Lynchburgh, Va. 
♦James Wright, m 3 

1812. 

Wells Andrews, m Prof. Ohio University. 

Washington, HI. 
♦James Coe, «DD 
Joseph M'Elroy, m D.D. New York City. 3 

1813. 
♦Archibald Johnstone, res 
George Junkin. in D D Pres't Lafayette 

College, and Miama University, and 

Washington College, Va. 
*George Miller, p 
John Montieth, m Prof Williams College, 

and Pres't University of Michigan. 
James Rowland, in Mansfield, Ohio. 
Juremiah C. Wilcox, I 6 

1815. 

*.Iames Frazier, St. Theol. 

♦Thomas Johnstone, m 

Joseph Smith, m DD Pres't Frank. Coll. 



1819. 






♦James Adams, m 

♦David Carson, m Prof. Asso. Th. Sem. 
Stephen Colwell, I Philadelphia. 
Adam Coon, I Wellsburgh, Va. 
John Coulter, m Coultersville. 
John Lee. I New York City. 

* Alexander M'Candless, m 
John MKinney, in Oswego, 111. 
William Smith, m D D V. Pres't and Prof. 

Greek, Jeff. Coll. Canonsburgh, Pa. 
♦Joseph Trimble, m 

* William Wallace, m 11 

1820. 

♦Alexander Campbell, «ID 

Robert Crooks, m 

Charles E. Gullatt, p 

♦John EI. Kennedy, m Prof. Jeff. Coll. 

William Nesbit. in New Bedford, Pa. 

♦John Peebles, m 

William S. Roberts, Ire D I) 

Alexander Sharp, in Newville Pa. 

Thomas Williamson, m M D Miss, to the 
Dacotahs. Yellow Meadow, Minn. 

M'Knight Williamson, m Hibbardsville, 0- 

10 
1821. 

Joseph B. Adams, m Hartleton, Pa. 

♦Lewis F. W. Andrews, p 

George Buchanan, I Haysville, Ohio. 

♦Richard Campbell, m Pres. Frank. Coll. 0. 

Meredith Helm, I 

♦John Hunter, Tutor Jefferson College. 

♦William Johnston, m 

William M'Connell, I 

David M'Kinney, m D D Ed. Presb. Ban- 
ner and Advocate. Pittsburgh, Pa. 



& Fred. Coll. Md. Greensburgh, Pa. 3 John Pinkerton, m Mt. Solon, Va. 

Samuel Reed, m Bealsville, Ohio. 

1816. 



♦Hugh Dickey, m 

♦William Graham, in 

♦William Wallace, in Editor. 3 

1817. 

♦Abraham Anderson, nllD Prof Jeffeson 

Coll. and Asso. Th. Seminary. 
♦Daniel M'Intosh, m 
♦Andrew Todd, m 3 

1818. 

Robert Baird. m D D Secretary Am. and 
Foreign Christian Union. N. Y. City. 

William C. Blair, m Indianola, Texas. 

Salmon Cowles. m Pres't DesMoines Col- 
lege. West Point, Iowa. 

Samuel Evans. I Uniontown, Pa. 

Thomas Hanna, in D D Sup. Washington 
Female Sem. Washington, Pa. 

William Jeffery, m D. D. Pres't Board of 
Trustees. Herriottsville, Pa. 

♦William M'Clure, I 

♦Joshua Moore, ret 

♦James P. Miller, m D D 

♦Alexander Williamson, m 10 



Levin Rodgers, p Spriugfield, Ohio. 
♦Aaron Torrence, p 



13 



♦Rev Obadiah Jennings. A M D D 

Kev Rob. Johnston, AM New Caslle, Pa. 

1822. 

Richard Brown, in New Hagerstown, O. 

♦Joseph Claybaugh. in D D: Prof. Associ- 
ate Reformed Theological Seminary. 

Joseph Clokey, m Springfield, Ohio, 

William J. Frazer, m St. Francisville, 0. 

Adam B. Gilliland,7)i Venice, Ohio, 

James Johnstone, m 

♦Andrew D. Livingston, I 

♦Hugh Martin, p 

John M'Cluskey, in D D Agent for Board 
of Education. Hartsville, Pa. 

♦James B. Morrow, in 

♦Ebenezer E. Munro, St. Th. 

John Pitkin, m Milfordton, Ohio. 

♦Garland B. Shelladay, I 

John G. Smart, m Madison, Indiana. 

Benj. F. Spilman, ra Shawnetown, 111. 15 



♦Rev. Thomas D. Baird, A M D D 



List of graduates of jefferson college. 



1823. 

James irbuthnot, m Unity, Adams Co. 0- 

*Jacob Beecher, m 

Wells Bushnell, in Missionary to Indians. 
Youngstown, Pa. 

*Daniel L. Carrol, to D D Pres't Hampden 
Sidney College. 

*John K. Cunningham, m 

Robert Dilworth, m D D EnonTalley, Pa. 

*Boyd Emery, Sr. p 

Boyd Emery, Jr. p Dunningsyille, Pa. 

Elliot Finley. 

James C. Hall, J) Prof Medical Coll. 

•Robert Henry, Jrt 

Samuel C. Jennings, in Ed. Moon P. 0. Pa. 

John Lee , m 

♦William Lowry, m 

*George Lyon, I 

John M'Bean, p Cadiz, Ohid. 

James May, to D D Prof Prot. Ep. Theo. 
Sem. Va. A l exandria, D. C. 

Alex. H. Mecklin, p Washington, D. C. 

*RobertC. Moody, p 

*James Nourse, m 

William C. Pollock, p 

William R. Raum, p 

♦Samuel H. Bench, p 

*John Reynolds, m 

David H. Riddle, m DD Ex-Pres't Western 
Univ. Pa. 

*Moses Roney, in Pres't Westminster Col- 
lege, Allegheny City. 

*Robert Rutherford,ra 

Josiah Scott, I Judge Supreme Court, 0. 
Hamilton. Ohio, 

*William A. Stevenson, St Th 

John Wallace, to 

*Samuel White. 

Andrew P. Wilson, m 

Benjamin F. Yoe, I 32 

Rev. A. 0. Patterson, A M D D Oxford, 

Ohio. 
*Rev. Robert Laird, A M 

1824. 

William Cunningham, I Editor. 
♦Thomas Espy, in 
*John T.'Ewing, m 

John S. Galloway, m Agent American Bi- 
ble Society. Springfield, Ohio. 

*Henry Haynes, I 

Samuel Hindman.TO Iberia, Ohio. 

John Hindman, m Dayton Pa. 

John D. Hughes, to Mogadore, Ohio. 

Watson Hughes, to West Newton, Pa. 

Absalom M'Cready, to N. Wihniugton, Pa, 

James M'Carrel, m 

Joseph Mahon, in Agent for Board oi Ed 
ucation. Shippensburgh, Pa. 

*John Montgomery, m 

*Johu E. Patterson, St L 

William Sickles, m Indianapolis, Ind. 

*James Templeton, to 

G. W. Thompson, I Judge, Wheeling, Ya. 

John C. Tidball I Coshocton, Ohio. 



Samuel Wilson, »DD Prof Associate 
Th. S'em. Xenia, Ohio. 19 



♦Rev Robert Bruce, 3 D 

Rev Francis Herrou, D D Pittsburgh, Ya. 

♦Rev Samuel Martin, D D 

1825. 

Charles M. Aten, I New Lisbon, Ohio. 
*Robert Brotherton, m 
A. B. Brown, to D D Ex. Pres't and Prof of 
Political Economy and Hist. Jeff. Coll. 
James Campbell, to Principal Female Sem- 
inary. Walker P. 0. Pa. 
•J. B. Cochran, p 
* William Cox, to 

John F. Cowan, to Washington, Mo. 
David Gilbert, p Prof Pa. Medical College, 

Pbiladelphia. 
♦Andrew D. Harris, I 
David Hervey, m Wellsburg, Va. 
lleury Hervey, to Martinsburg, Ohio. 
John Hemphill, I Chief Justice, Texas- 
Austin, Texas 
Thomas E. Hughes, in Sommerville, Ohio. 
Nathaniel Ingles, to Lockport, Ind. 
♦David Jacobs, to 
*ThomaS Livingston, I 
John H. Marsden, to M D York Sulphur 

Springs, Pa. 
William M'Murren, I Sheppardstown, Va. 
*John M'Arthur, in D D Prof Miami 

University. 
John Moore, to Bull Creek, Ya. 
Cornelius II. Mustard, in Lewes, Del. 
♦Benjamin F. Nourse, p Surgeon U. S. A 
Ethelbert P. Oliphant, I Uniontown, Pa. 
* Alexander E. Patterson, I 
*David Ritchie. 

Thos, J. S. Smith, Memb. Leg. Dayton, 0. 
James Smith, I Cumberland, Md. . 
William A. Stevens, m D D 28 



♦Jonathan Letherman, M D 
William Church, M D 
William F. Irwin, M D Pittsburgh, Pa 
David Porter, M 1) 

1826. 

James Alexander, in Martin's Ferry. Ihioi 

♦Robert G. Bowland. 

James Chamberlin, m 

♦James Crawford, I 

John H. Dickey, m 

♦John Donald, p 

Reuben Frame, to Fon du Lac, Wis. 

Wm. J. Gibson, to D D Walker's P. 0. Pa. 

William Hughes, to Loudonville, Ohio. 

John R. Hutchinson, in DD Prof Oak- 
land College. Carrolton, La. 

David Kiddoo, I Cuthbert, Ga. 

Alexander T. M'Gill, to D D Prof Western 
and Princeton Theo. Seminaries. 
Princeton, N. J, 

James G. M'Intire, to Elkton, Md. 

Thomas Nichol,jj Oskaloosa, Iowa, 



10 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



Albert Osburn,;p Wheeling, Va t 

Hugh Parks, m 

John Pattern, to Philadelphia. 

Alfred Patterson, I Uniontown, Pa. 
ill i l'omroy.m 

Azariah Prior, to Pottsville. Pa. 

James D.Kay, to Prin. Mt. Ebenezer Acad- 
emy Galllpolis, Ohio. 

Aaron Williams, in D D Prof Ohio Uni- 
versity and Jeff. doll. Canonsburg, Pa 

Thomas Wilson, m 

'Robert G. White, I 24 



John Gloninger, M D 
George Reidenour, M D 

1827. 
Thomas Annat, I 
•Isaac T. Bennet, to 
William 0. Boyd, I South Carolina, 
James C. Boyd, p South Carolina. 
•James Boyce, St Th 
Jacob Coon, to Prof Franklin Coll Union 

Grove, 111. 
William Curran, t Philadelphia. 
•John Glen, to 

George W. Kampson, to Woodcock, Pa. 
Charles W. Kelso, I Erie, Pa. 
William W. Laird, I 
William A. Lake, i 
William M'Caleb, I Judge: 
Robert M'Clave, I Carrollton, Ohio. 
•Robert M'Crea, I 
*John M'Ginley, p 
*John M'Jimsey, St Th 
•Williatn M'Pherson, I 
Wm C. Matthews, to D D Shelbyville, Ky. 
Jno D. Matthews, to D D Lexington, Ky. 
Newton May, p Philadelphia. 
James Park, t Eckmansville, Pa. 
James P. Ramsey, to New Bedford, Pa. 
•Joseph Reed, to 
John W. Scott, to D D Pres"t Washington 

College, Washington, Pa. 
William W. Snodgrass, p 
David Sterret, ??i. Carlisle, Pa. 
Joel Stoneroad, m Woodvale, Pa. 
James Wallace, to 
*James M. Whitehill, I 
William C. Worthington, I Charleston, "Va. 
Fran. Wythe, B'kseller, Harrisburg,Pa. 32 



Rev Andrew K. Russell, AM 

1828. ■ 
Robert J. Alexander, I Judge 8th Dis't 0- 

St. Clairsville, Ohio. 
*JamesS. Be\l,p 
Walier Brice, p South Carolina. 
Levi Davis, I 

William Fiuley, to Prospect, Butler Co Pa. 
Robert Glenn, to Utica, Pa, 
•Ashbel A. Green, I 
•Stephen Haft, St Th 
•Levin W. Handy, p 
* W. W- Hutchinson. 



Michael Jacobs, in Prof Pa. College, Get- 

tysburgh, Pa. 
Thomas Johnson, p 
Henry T. Kyle, I 
•Alexander M'Junkin, I 
Sloan M'Intire, to 

John M'Nair, to Clinton, New Jersey. 
•Ebenezer M'Pherren, St Th 
John Martin, p Pittsburgh, 
•Thomas B. Peter, I 
•James S. Snodgrass, SI Th 
A dam Torrance, m New Alexandria, Pa. 
James Veech, I Uniontown, Pa. 
James Watson, I Washington, Pa. 
Samuel M. Whan, I Principal of Belle Air 

Academy. Belle Air, Md. 
Samuel Wilson, in D D Merritstown, Pa. 
Henry R, Wilson, to M D DD Missionary 

to India. Sewickley, Pa. 
Loyal Young, to Butler, Pa. 



A. T. Dean, M D 

Rev John Hemphill, D D South Carolina. 

Jonathan Pounder, M D 

1829. 

•William B. Barry, South Carolina. 

Thomas W. Bartly, I Judge, Leg. Mans- 
field, Ohio. 

Bankhead Boyd, to Strabane, Washington 
County. Pa. 

James Boyce, m Bell's Store, South Car. 

William H. Coy le I Washington City, D.C. 

Charles Dubuisson, I Pres't Jefferson Col- 
lege, Mi. and Judge. Natchez, Mi 

John Eagleson, to Buffalo, Pa. 

William Eakius, m M'Conncllsville, Ohio. 

Richard Eberle, p Philadelphia. 

John Eberle, p Philadelphia. 

Robert M. Finley. to Wooster, Ohio. 

John Flemmiug, m Earlville, Pa. 

•Warren Fleuuiken, m 

John B. Graham, in Ag't American Bible 
Soc Fairview, Ohio. 

•William Gray, to 

John E. Heanon, m 

J.J. Hemphill, Farmer, Shippensburg, Pa. 

Joseph P. lloge, I Memb Cong San Fran- 
cisco, California. 

Samuel M. llowey, t St Clairsville, Ohio. 

•Robert R. Jenkins, South Carolina. 

John C. Lowrie. m D D Miss to India, and 
Cor Sec'y B'd For Miss. N. Y. City. 

•Matthew S. Lowrie, I 

Charles F. M Cay, t LL D Prof Univ Geor- 
gia, and Pres't Coll of South Car. 

•Samuel Moody, to 

Abraham D. Pollock, to Warrenton, Ta. 

Richard Ransom, I 

•William Reed, to Missionary to India. 

David Ritchie, I Memb. of Congress. Pitts 
burgh, Pa. 

Alexander Smith. 

Charles C. Sullivan I Mem Leg. Butler, Pa 

*S. Calvin Tait, I 

David I. Thompson, m 

Samuel Williamson, to Ohio* 



LIST OP GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



11 



Joseph S. Wylie, m 



Rev Reuben Davis, A M 

Thomas J. M'Kaisr, A M 

Rev Henry Cook, I) D Ireland. 

William M'llvain, M D 

Isaac Culbertson, M D 

Thomas Johnson, M D 

George Reiter, MD East Liberty, Pa. 

1830. 

William A. Adair, m Allegheny City, Pa. 

Bela S. Alien, St Th 

George W. Clark, Engiueer, Chicago, 111. 

►John Cloud, Missionary to Africa. 

Lorman Crawford I 

•John L. Dinwiddie, m 

Arnold II, Dohrman, m 

Matthew B. Hope, m 1IDDD, Miss, to 

ChiDa, and Trof. N. J. Coll. Prince- 
ton, N. J. 
John W. Johnston, m Darlington, Pa. 
Samuel P. Johnson, I Warren, Pa. 
♦Thomas S. Kendall, 0. m 
•John S Key, D C. I. 
Josoph Kerr, m Miss, to Wea Indians. 

Fairfield; Iowa. 
♦Francis Laird, m Miss, to Africa. 
•Samual Long, t Prof. Newark Coll. 
Richard L. Mackal, D. C. Clerk. 
.James J. Marks, m Quincy, 111. 
pni neaa B. Marr, m Lewisburg, Pa, 
*WUliam Moffat, S. Car. t. 
•Daniel S. Montgomery, I 
John Newton, m D D Mass. to Lodkna, N . 

Indip. 
James Patterson, m D D Pres. Westm. 

Coll. Institute. New Wilmington, Pa. 
*James C. Porter, St. Th. t 
Asahel P. Prior, p 
Francis Rutherford, m D. C. 
James C. Sharon, m Prof Des Moines Coll. 

Iowa. St. Prancisville, Mo. 
James Sloan, m D D Dunuiugsville, Pa. 
•John Templetou, I 

R. G. Thompson, in Tiro, Crawford Co. 0. 
David H. Tnrpin, I 

James L. Vallaudigham, m Newark. Del. 
James Wilson, m Miss, to India Knex- 

ville, Tenn. 32 



John Brawn, D D Scotland. 
*Charles Ewing, LL D New Jersey. 

1831. 

Washington Baird, m D D Spartanburg! 

S.'C. 
Andrew H. H. Boyd, m D D Winchester 

A'irginia. 
Lt-wis I'. Bush, j> Wilmington. Del. 
John Up. Byrne, I Warronton, Va. 
Bjavid I). Clark, m H'Teytown, Pa. 
♦Hamilton W.Carter, ni 



James W. Coulter, m 

Thomas Gait, m Springfield, HI. 

John 1>. Henderson, I merchant, New Or- 
leans. 

Isaac J. Henderson, m New Orleans, 

John Herron, I Capt. Mex. War, Pitts- 
burgh, Pa. 

Anthony M. Higgins, I Parmer, Del. 

*Jolm L. Uoge, t 

David X. Junkin, m D D Hollidayshurg. 

Samuel A. M'Clain,m 

♦Reuben R. M'Dowell,p 

Robert A. M'Murtrie, I Mem. Pa. Leg. Hol- 
lidayshurg, Pa. 

♦Alexander Maekey, D. G.p 

George Marshal, in D D Upper St. Glair, Pa, 

Addison May, I Parmer Md. 

♦John E. Morrison. 

Joseph M. Parke, m 

*John II. Patterson, p 

♦James H. Porter, t 

James Ralston, St Th. 

Samuel S. Shoddau, m Rahway, N. J. 

♦Cabell Tavernor, I 

Samuel M Wilson, m Lithopolis, Ohie. 

William Wilson, m 

♦John G. Witherspoon, m N. Carolina. 30 



Rev. Luther Haslev, D D Bloomington, 
N. Y. 

1832. 

James L. Bartol , I Md. 

Herbert Bixby, N. II. 

♦William Burnett, m Pres. Prank. Qoll. 
Ohio. 

James I. Kuhu, I Prof. 0. Umv. Pitts- 
burgh, Pa. 

John H. Fromberger, p Delaware City. 

John M. Galloway, m Steubenville, Ohio. 

Samuel Hair, in Oxford, Ohio. 

Henry Hanna, Iron Manufacturer, Hang- 
ing Kock, Ohio, 

David Hull, in Watsontewn. Pa. 

♦William M'Cormk-k, in, 

John K. M'Curdy, p 

♦Zantzinger M'Donald, I 

William K. Marshall, wDD Rusk, Texas . 

Clarke Moore, in Ohio. 

William U. Ocheltree, I Judge, Nacogdo- 
ches, Texas. 

William P.Orbison, I Huntingdon, Pa. 

♦James H. Patterson, I 0. 

♦David Polk, in Brookville, Pa. 

William Reynolds, m Prof. Pa. Coll. and 
Prest. Cap. Univ-0. 

Joseph K. Middle, p South Bend, Ind. 

Norman Squires, m 

Henry Williams, m 22 



Joseph Patterson, Esq. A M 

Rev. Alexander M'Cahau, A M Tipton,Tud 

J. M'Kaig, Esq. A M . 

Rev. John T. Pressly, D D Allegheny City. 

Rev. Stephen 11. Tyng, DD N. York CRy. 



12 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



1833. 

William Begg, m 

♦William II. Blodget, I 0. 

Bolton Caldwell, /Judge, Vicksburg, Mis. 

Thomas P. Gordon, to Pittsburgh, i'a. 

David P. Graham, p New Lisbon, Ohio. 

Alexander A. II all, m N, Car. 

Wm. Y. Hamilton, to Philadelphia. 

Robert G. Hays, m 

William R. Hemphill, Prof Erskine Coll. 

Editor. Due West, S. Oar. 
James Hemphill, I Mem. Leg. Chester C. 

II S. Car. 
John H uber, I 
James W. Kerr, t Teacher Blind Assylum, 

Philadelphia, 
Shepherd Lender, I Mem. Cong. Burling- 
ton, Iowa. 
H. N.M'Calister, i Bellefonte, Pa. 
James M'Clelland.p U. S. Navy, Erie, Pa. 
♦Charles S. Moffat p S.Car. 
Daniel E. Nevin, to Farmer, Sewiekley- 

ville, Pa. 
Edwin II. Nevin. m D D Pres. Franklin 

Coll. Ohio. Washington, D. C. 
♦Robert W. Orr, m Miss, to China, Prof. 

Jeff. Coll. Strattanville, Pa. 
James L. Scott, m Miss, to Agra, N. India. 
James P. Smart, to Xenia, Ohio. 
Hamilton Smith, m 
Joseph S. Travelli, m Miss, to China 

Prin'l Sewiekley Academy. 
jTohn H. Williams, I Editor, Frederick City 
Thomas S. Wilson, I 25 



*Rev. Donald Frazer. D D Scotland. 

*Kev. David M'Conaughy, D D 

Ebenezer Daniels, M D Cannonsburg, Pa. 

1834. 

R. H. Allison, p Harrisburg, Pa. 

A. A. Anderson, I 
Chambers Baird, I Bipley, Ohio. 
•Samuel T. Chapman, I Editor. 

Joseph T. Cooper, m D E Ed. Evan. Repos. 

Philadelphia. 
John D. Cummins. I M. Cong. 
James Davis, in Biairsville, Pa. 
Samuel R. Fisher, ,n D D Editor Ger Ref. 

Messenger, Chambersburg, Pa. 
Thomas Foster, p 

B. C. Galbraith, to Goranstown, Sid. 
Edward R. Geary, ;/; Corvalis, Oregon Ter. 
Thos. Gilkerson, to Saltsburg, Pa 
Samuel M. Hamill. in Prin. High School, 

Lawreuceville, N. J. 

I. W. K. Handy, to Portsmouth, Va, 

J. C. Hawthorn, p 

*F, K. Heisley, Engineer. 

•N. N. Hurst, I 

W. Hutchison, to Sparta, Tenn. 

W. F. Irwin. p Irwin Station, Pa. 

K. M. S Jackson, p State Geologist, C les- 
son, Pa. - 

J. Stuart Leech, p 



S. Dexter Lecompte, I Chief Jnstice, Kan- 

W. S. Lindsey. 

William M'Candlish, to Quincy 111. 

♦Washington M'Cartney, LL D Prof. La- 
fayette College, and Judge. 

John L. M'Lean, to 

William M'Gookin, m Sydney, Ohio. 

Robert Osborn, p Point Pleasant, Ya. 

John V. Reynolds, to Meadville, Pa 

Stephen R. Riggs, in Miss, to Dacotash, 
New Hope, Minn Tor. 

*.TamesD. Scott, m 

Thomas L. Speer, m 

James E. Stewart, p Baltimore, Md. 

Thomas Walke, I Chilicothe, Ohio. 34 



John F. James, A M 
*D. S. Stevenson, M D 

1835. 

W. E. Andrew, <N. Car. 

*F E. Bailey, I 

It. B. Barber, I 

Thomas J. Bigham, I Pa. Sen. Pittsburgh, 

James C Brown, to Valparaiso, Ind. 

James H. Buchanan, in Oxford, Ohio. 

♦John J. Bucher. p 

♦Nathaniel Burwell, I 

♦Joseph H. Chambers, m, 

Jonathan K. Cooper, I Peoria, 111, 

Elijah Criswell. 

Alexander Donaldson, Prin'l. Eldersrldgt 

Academy, Clarksburg, Pa. 
♦John II. Done, I R. R. Sup. 
*George II. Evans, /, 
Richard Gailey, to Hastings, Ohio. 
W. M. Galbraith, m De Graff, Ohio. 
Robert Gracey, m Pittsburgh, Pa 
James Grier. m Noblestown, Pa. 
Robert C. Grier, to D D Pres. Erskine Coll. 

Due West, S. C. 
Andrew P. Happer, m Miss China, Canton. 
Robert S. Holmes, p U. S Army. 
Mortimer D. Johnsou, to Prof Davidson 

College, N. Car. 
George Johnson. I Portsmouth, Ohio. 
J. W Knott, in Shelby, Ohio. 
♦Shepherd Laurie, ji D. C 
William Lawrence, I Washington, Ohio. 
Samuel C M'Cune, m Fairfield, Iowa. 
*James Y. M'Ginnis, in Pres. of Acad. 
♦John W. Murray, m 

C. K. Nelson, to 

Charles H. Nourse, m Leesburg, Va. 

Elijah Peale, Cashier, New Orleans. 

*.Iames Peebles, p 

♦Charles Ramsey, I 

Hugh W. Reynolds, I Peoria, 111. 

*W BE. Riley, p Md, 

Alfred Kyors, in D I) Pres. Ohio anJ Ind. 
Univ. and Prof. Cent. Coll. Ky. Dan- 
ville. 

Lawrence Stright, to 

D. W. Swartz, to 

Joseph Templeton, to St. Louis, Mo 
Robert B. Walker, m Plaingrove, Pa, 



LIST OP GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



13 



♦James Walker, m 

Z. Yarnall, I Wheeling, Va. 



43 



William B Heiskel, Esq. A M Philadel. 
Prof John E. Barbazet, A M 
Bev. Rudolph Zickwolf, A M 
Rev. Robert Stewart, D D Ireland. 
Rev. David Elliot, D.D Allegheny City. 
Prof. Jacob CJreeu, LL, D 

1836. 

•Thomas B. Beer, m, 

II. F. Bowen, m Md. 

P. D. Boyd, m 

James Cameron, m Brunswick. 

Irwin Carson, m Oscaloosa. 

Philip Condit, m 

Samuel M. Cooper, m Clearfield. 

Edmund S. Doty, I Miffliutown, Pa, 

•James C. Doty,p 

Joseph W. Fowler, I Judge Sup. Ct. La. 

John R. Franklin, I Mem. Congress, Snow 

Hill, Md. 
William Gass, t 

George M. Gibbs, m Gravelly Hill, N. C. 
James II. Gillaud, m Prof. Davidson Coll. 

N. Carolina. 
Thomas Grier, m Camden, S. C. 
G. B. Gray, m Md, 
Hugh Hamilton. 
•J. K. Henderson, I 
*B. Wilbur Huntingdon, I Judge. 
Henry Keim, p Pontiac, Mich. 
Henry C. Knight, I 
John Livingston, m 
•J. Somerville Marbury, m D. C. 
James Mason, I 

John R. M'Fee, I Georgetown, Del. 
D. B. M'Ginley, p 
D. H. A. M'Lean, m Prof. Westm. Coll. 

Inst, and Prin. High School. Pitts- 
burgh, Pa. 
F. A. Muhlenburg, m Prof. Pa. College.— 

Gettysburg, Pa. 
H. B. Pigman, I 
•William Kamsey, I 
•John C. Rankin, p 
J. Huston Rankin. 
Cyrus C. Kiggs, m Pres't Richmond Coll. 

West Newton, Pa. 
C. W. Russell, I Wheeling, Va. 
Frederick A. Shearer, m Iowa City. 
Francis S. Steel, I 
John M. Stevenson, m D D Prof. Ohio 

Univ. Agent Cor. Sec. Amer. M.Soc. 

New Albany, Ind- 
Frederk'k A. Thomas, 
•Alexander Weed, Engineer, Ya. 
Samuel R, Williams, t Prof. Jeff. College. 

and Prin. Fern College. Louisville, Ky 
Uriah W. Wise, I Prin. of Acad. 
•Samuel A. Woods, t Va. 42 

•Pro! John Armstrong, A M 
Dr. Hugh Campbell, A M 
Prof Hiram Sims, A M 



Peter A. Brown, Esq. LL D Philadelphia. 

1837. 

William G. Barnet, p Venice, Washington 

County, Pa. 
Newton Bracken, m Portersville, Pa. 
Josei)h T. Buchanan, m 
James Campbell, I Clarion, Pa. 
•Alexander Campbell, p 
Cyrus Dickson, m Baltimore, Md. 
John Donaldson, in Salem, Ky. 
William Eaton, m Clarksburg, Va. 
George M. Eldridge,Z Judge. 
J. Buchanan Hall, p California. 
George Hill in Rlairsville, Pa. 
B. D. Jackson, I Cambridge, Md. 
* Thomas W. Kerr, m 
Harrison P. Laird, I Leg. Penn'a. Greens 

burg, Pa. 
David Laughlin, t Juniata Co. Pa. 
•Robert F. Law, St Ih 
•Thomas S. Lewis, St Th 
John Y. Lind, p Supt. Marino Hospital, 

San Francisco, Cal. 
•Walter M. Lowrie, m Miss, to China. 
*A. Martin, p 0. 
•Robert M'Murdy, m 
Joseph E. Nourse, m Prof. U. S. Naval 

Academy. Annapolis, Md. 
Griffith Owen, m Baltimore, Md. 
John Patrick, m S. Car. 
Jacob Pentzer, m Miamisburg, Ohio. 
Samuel Pettigrew, m 111. 
George W. Purnell,Z St. Francisvillo, la. 
•Wilson Scott, I 

Pbilo M. Seinple, m, Berlin, Ohio. 
Joseph T. Smith, m D D Baltimore, Md. 
Kensey John Stewart, m 
W. M. Stewart, I Indiana, Pa. 
Samuel Templeton, m Va. 
John Todd, m Rrookville, Pa. 
HiUiary Williams, iMd. 
David Wilson, t Prin Central Acad. Port 

Royal, Pa. 
•Joseph Wilson, Si Th 
A. D Wilson, I 
John Witherow. 29 



H. N Lee, Esq. A M Kittanning. Pa. 

Alfred Marks, Esq. A M 

Rev Simeon Brown, A M Lebanon, Ohio. 

Hon L. S. Handy, A M 

William Orr, A M 

M. Morgan, Esq. A M 

John Millmgton, Prof. A M Va. 

•Dr Robert Thompson, A M 

•Rev John Williams, D D 

Rov Isaac Grier, D D N. Car. 

Rev E. P. Swift, D D Allegheny City. 

Hon Lewis Cass, LL D Mich, 

1S38. 

S. S. Blair, I Hollidaysburg, Pa. 
*M. M. Brown, m 
William H. Buffington, 

-William Caskey, m 



14 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



Kobert Clark, I Prof Madison College. 
Jacob Dofi, m Prin. Fein. Sem. Yancys- 

ville, N. C. 
Thomas P. Farrar, I Natchez, Mi. 
Charles K. Fasset-, p 
Lewis Granger, m California. 
William Mathiot, I Lancaster, Pa, 
William H. M'CareT, m Evansville, la. 
David M'Cay, m Callensburg, Pa. 
*Benjamin G. M'Phail, »«Snow Hill, Md. 
*A. C. Miller, w White Rock. 
James C. Miller, I 

J. Krepps Miller, I Memb. Cong. Oregon. 
James Montgomery, m Clarion, Pa. 
Alfred Nevin, bBD Lancaster, Pa. 
*Shepb.erd G. Patrick, I 
Joseph H. Pressly, in Erie, Pa. 
David F Reed, m Chili, Ohio. 
William Rothrock, m 
Henrv Snyder, m Prof. Jeff. Cent, and 

Hamp' Sid. Coll. Uampden Sydney. 
*Georgc W. Stinson, I 
♦Thomas Sutton, I 
* William D. Tassey, I 
*John Watson, I 

Felix B. Welton, Moorfield, Va. Farmer. 
»E. H. C. Wilson, I 29 



Rev Jamas Marr, A M Lebanon, Ohio. 

1839. 
John E, Alexander, in Prin. Mill. Acad.— 

Washington, Ohio. 
Moses Blackburn, m Petersburg, Ohio. 
Alexander W. Brownlee, m 
*Adley Calhoun, m 
Peter P. CI aft, p Grange, Mo. 
James Coulter, m Harmonsburg, Pa. 
^George M. Diokson, Sjt Th 
Clia: les F. Divers, m Cedarville, N. J. 
*Joh i W, Duff, m 
Alexander M Earle, I 
E. J. Forsythe, I 
3. K. Gibson, I 

Smith F. Grier, m New Cumberland, Va. 
Kobeit Haniill, m Boalsburg, Pa. 
John A'. Harbaugh, I Kansas. 
Edwin W. Heury, Berlin, Md 
John C. Kunkel, I Mem. Congress, Harris- 

burg, Pa 
*Jokn Lloyd, Miss to China, 
*Samuel P, Marshall, m 
A. Craig M'ClMIftlid, m Ft. Wayne, Ind. 
John &1. M'Cona-ughy, m M D Lajie, 111, 
Thomas ^iddleton, m 
George Miles. 

Nornran Millet, I Martinsburg, \ a. 
*Thorri.a» J. Muriay, p 
James 'Naylor, m Oakley, Va. 
Roger Owen, m Prin. Chest, dill Acad. — 

"Chestnut Hill, Ta. 
Jacob H. Patton, m aud fNew York'City. 
John Reed". 

James Craig ReM, t Engiueer, Erie, Pa. 
*Jobja II. Kittenhouse, m 
Fitz William Sargent, p Philadelphia. 
Owen 13vwis Shannon, m 
Philander C. Smith, 



ng, Ya. 



William W. Stiekley, m Spoutjpring, 

Alexander Swaney, m Carrolton, Ohio. 

W. Sheridan Thompson, m New Canton, Ya 

Joseph C. Wallace, I 

Geerge Willey, I Cleveland, Ohio': 

M. Allen Williams, m Miss, to Chili. San 

Francisco, Cal. 
Thomas M. Wilson, 0. 
William W. Woodend, m Prin. Saltsburg 

Acad. Saltsburg, Pa. 
Samuel S Woods, I Lewistow'n. 43 



Andrew F. Ross, A M 

Prof James Espy, A M Washington City. 

T. B. Beall,Esq. A. M 

Rev Daniel Zacharias, A M, D D Frederick 

City, Md. 
*Rev Asahel Nettlcton, D D Conn. 
Rev Wm.Shaw, DD Scotland. 
Rev 0. Stewart, D D Ireland. 
Rev John W. Neviu, D D Lancaster, Pa. 

1840. 

J. Patton Anderson, Gov. Wash. Ter. 
George E Austin, Farmer, Cambridge, Md 
Samuel F. Boyd, Editor, Port Gibson, Ml. 
Hugh A.Brown, m Miss, to China. Rock- 
ford, 111. 
James C . Carson m Salem X Roads, Ta. 
A. G. W. Carter, 1 Judge, Cincinnati. 
Samuel Coulter, t Editor, 
Robert W. Dougherty, I Editor, Princess 

Anne. Md. 
Archibald B. Earle* I 
George Earle, I ElkTon, Md 
John Haldeman, I Pa Leg. Harrisburg Pa. 
*Daniel S. Haich, St Th 
Joseph M. Hays, m 
James C. Herron.'jn Napa, Cal. 
Daniel h. Hughes, m Stover's Place. 
David Hughes, m M D New Plymouth, 0. 
Parker Jacobs, I t.ewistown, Pa. 
Samuel Mahaffey, m Washington, Ohio. 
*David W. M'Conaughy. 
Solomon M'Nair, m Washington, N J. 
George Miller, I 

James W. Miller, w Gay Hill, Tex. 
John T. Moore, Planter, Port Gibson, Ml. 
N Grier Parke, m Pitston, Pa. 
William A. Passavant, m Zelienrjple, Pa. 
Robert Patterson, t Prof, in Jeff. College, 

Pa aud Oakland College, Mi. 
W. H. Reed. 

Robert A Ross, m North Cap. 
Robert Bteele, n» 

James Wason, I llagorstown, Md. 
G. A. Vfenzel, m Philadelphia. 
Henry A. White, l Princess Anne, Md. 32 

Joseph Braddock, A M 

Rev .T. S. Dunwiddie, A M 

Jacob Hall, Esq.. A M Independence, Mo. 

1841. 
Moses Arnott, m Hanover, Tnd. 
Janus A. Banks I Li-wistowo, Pa. 
Henry R. Bell, p Chicago, IS. 



LIST OF GRADUATES OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



IS 



William C. Bovard, Merchant, Warren, Pa 

John K. Boyce, m 

Thomas A . Bracken, m Independence, Mo. 

Janles Buchanan, in 

William Carlisle, m Chanceford, Pa. 

♦Isaac M. Cook, m 

John B. Craighead, Farmer, Canonsbur^. 

Thomas M. Crawford, m Slate Hill. 

Wilson M. Donaldson, m BlufTton, lnd. 

David Donaldson, p Allegheny Co. Pa. 

Ralph Douglass, in, 

*James C. Duncan. 

♦Joshua Elder, m 

Edward J. Elliott. 

John Hunter, m 

*.Iohn P. Kean, m 

J. M'D. Lea7itt, m Prof. Ohio University. 

Athens, Ohio. 
James 15. M'Bride, in 

Isaiah M'Junkin, p Butler. Fa, 
Ebenezer M'Junkin, I Butler, Pa. 

Isaac G. M'iJaughlin, in Charlotte, N. C. 

Andrew D. Mitchell, m Harrisburg, Pa. 

John ©liphant, I 

William Ottinger, m Qrandview, Iow-a. 

John J. Patterson, Harrisburg, Pa. 

*John H, Pottinger, p 

*Wtll>iam L Richards, in Miss, to China. 

William M. Kobinson, m Newark, Ohio. 

Henry E. Sayre, I Waynesburg, Pa. 

John A. Scott, m Prin. Female Sem. Hal- 
ifax, C H Va. 

W. M'K. Scott, m D D Prof Centre College 
Ky. Cincinnati, Ohio. 

John Y. Scouller, m Fairhaven, Ohio. 

William L. Shoemaker, i 

Robert R. Sloan, m I'rin Female Seminary 
Mt, Vernon, Ohio. 

R. B. Sterling, Iron Manufacturer, Pitts- 
burgh, Pa 

Alexander Story, m Columbus, Iowa. 

John M. Strong, p 

Thomas P,. Stewart, I Cambridge, Md. 

John R. Taylor. 

Joseph N. Watson, m Lewistown, Pa. 

E. King Wilson, I Snow Hill, Md. 43 



Rees C. Evans, m Doylestown, Pa. 
Andrew B. Frazier, m 
Jared D. Fyler. 
James Gallatin, m 
John W. Ilazlett, in Carrick, Pa. 
S. K Hughes, in Chestreville, Ohio. 
John Lewis, p Ogden, lnd, 
*A. M. Linn,? 

J R. Lowrie, I Hollidaysburg. Pa. 
Charles Martin, Prof Hamp. Sid- Coll. Va. 

Hampdun Sid. Va. 
B. F. M'Keehen,p Routines Mills. 
Isaac S. M'Micken I 
Ulysses Mercur; I Towanda, Pa. 
Robert P. Nevin, Druggist, Pittsburgh. 
Samuel I. Reid, in I'rin. Chalni. Inst. — 

Holly Springs Mi. 
Robert Kiug Reid,p Sup. Insane Asylum. 

Stockton, Col. 
William Roseburgh, Cashier, Pittsburgh f 
Isaac 0. Sloan. 

John F. Smith, in Richmond, lnd, 
Robert Stanton, Planter, Natchez, Mi. 
William Stanton, Planter Natchez, Mi. 
John Steele, m Macomb, 111, 
*Samuel F. Sterling, I 
*John Sturgeon, p 
Darius Thomas m 

William G. Van Lear, I Williamsport Md. 
W. C.Van Bibber, p Aid. 
Joseph R. Whitham, m. 
William L. Wingate, p 
John \> eaver, p Cannonsburg. 
Daniel R.Wolfe, I New Castle, Del. 



Prof L.Gaussen, D D 

Prof Adolphe Moncd, D D fiance. 

ReV Arxlrew Marshal, D D Scotland. 

Rev John Jameson, D Scotland. 

Rev Thomas J, Biggs. D D Cin. 0. 

llua Robert C. Giiur, LL D Philadelphia. 

1842. 

♦Abraham Anderson, m 

*D Woods Baker, Coast Survey. 

DwightW. Bell, I Pittsburgh, Pa.j 

Algernon S. Bell I Pittsburgh, Pa. 

John 0. Biser, Md. 

B.E. Chain, m 

David R. Cimpbell, m Wintersville. 

William Coleman, t Diamond Springs, Cai 

*J. K.Cornyn, m 

Henry U. Davii, m 

D. W. Downer, I Uniontown, Pa. 



T. D. Baird, Jr. A B A M St. Louis, Mo. 
Rev J. D. Mitchell, A B Wyoming, Pa. 

1343. 

♦Richard Allison, p 
J.Trooper Armstrongs Ark. 

Janus II. Baird, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

*John Parr, m 

*.T. K Bingham, I 

William R. Bingham, m Warren Tavern Pa 

♦Thomas ^Black, St Th. 

David C. Boal, I Belleftmte, Pa. 

John Boyd, I 

Cornelius Byles. ^> Franklin Grove, Pa. 

James C. Clarke, I Gnensburg, Pa. 

Andrew Cochran, »i Durhamville, N. V. 

J. Alexander Coulter, Civ. Eug. Greens? 

burg, Pa. 
.Tamos Cummings, p California. 
William Edgar, m Murtaysville, Pa. 
*R. S. Elliott, StTh 
Ebenezer Erskjne, m Columbia, Pa. 
William Ferguson, I Cincinnati, Ohio. 
James H. File, ?« i!t. Pleasant, Pa. 
J. Gregg Gibson, p 
George W. Gunnison, m Prin. Burlington 

Univ. Iowa, and of Erie Academy.—, 

Brie, Pa. 
S. W.Gilson, ZCanfielu. Ohio. 
Jacob S. Haldeman, 1 Pa. Legislature, liar 

isbnrg, Pa. 



16 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



John Hamilton, t Prin. of Acad. Mt. Zion, 
Simp. Co. Mi. 

A. TV. Hendricks, I Madison, Ind. 

William M. Houston, £» Santa Fee, Mo. 

John Humerickhouse, p Coshocton. Ohio. 

Aaron H. Kerr, m Prof Alex. College. 1 — 
St. Peter, Minn. 

Richard T. Merrick, 1 Baltimore, Md. 

William J. M'Culloch, Engineer, Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

James Matthews, m Prof. Cent, College. — 
Danvilie, Ky. 

Joseph P. Moore, m t East Liberty, Pa. 

John P. Penny, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Jonathan Rennick, I Cirrleville, Ohio. 

-Abuer 0. Rockwell m Finleyville, Pa. 

John Rowe, in dallipolis, Ohio. 

A. A. Scott, p 

W. C. Sheets, m Morgan town; N. C. 

James Smith, in Rochester, Pa. 

S. Hume Smith, m 

Francis A. Stewart, I Pittsburgh, Ta. 

John M. Sullivan, I Ass't Sec. of State. 

Elliott E. Swift, in New Castle, Pa. 

J. Bowman Switzer, { Pittsburgh, Pa-. 

♦George W. Watson, p 

*Keever Wharton, p 

H. D. Wright. 47 



Rev E. Thompson Baird, A M D D Colum- 
bus, Mi. 
Hon James Thompson, A M Erie, Pa. 
William Reynolds, Esq. AM Meadville. 
*Rev Win. Atkinson, D D Va. 
Rev James Peddie, I) D Scotland. 
Rev James Harper, D D Scotland. 
*Rev James Martin, D D Prof. 
*Hon Henry Baldwin, LL D 

1844. 

John Adair Anderson, I 

*Samuel P. Berry, m 

Andrew M. Beveridge, m Hoosack Falls. 

Ebenezer E. Boyce, m North Car. 

R.P. Crawford, / Kirtanning, Pa. 

George A. Hoffman, Cumberland, Md. 

William Horner, t 

R.C. Irwin,/; Hollidaysburg, Ta. 

James S. Jacksou, / Lexington; Ky. 

John J. Lane, in Prof Franklin College 0. 

Wrightsville. Pa. 
*James Leiper, St Th. 
James E. Marquis, m Shelby, Ohio. 
*Thomas M'Cague hi 
Nosbit M'Dnnald, p Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Walter R. Macdonald, / ( (gdensburg, N. Y. 
Rodney Mason, / Springfield, Ohio. 
*Johu'R. Miller, 

Epiiraim Ogden, w Glade Mills. Pa. 
S. Duncan Oliphant, I Unioutown Pa. 
*Erastus S. Scott, I 
George W. Shaiffer, m Prin. Female Sem. 

Shirleyshurg, Pa. 
James A. Shankland. m Detroit, Mich. 
John C. Telford, in Mahoning, Pa. 
Samuel Torrance, Farmer, Allegheny Co. 
George Vaneman, m Florida. 



George S. Walker, p California. 
George L. Washington, { "Va. 
♦Robert A.White, I Ed. South, Lit. Mess. 
W. Biddle Wilkins, I 

Joseph R. Wilson, m Prof. Jeff. Coll. and 
Hamp. Sid. Coll. 



W. S. Lane, Esq, A M 

Henry D Maxwell, Esq. A M Easton Pa. 

*Hon. Daniel Duncan, A M 

Rev, James L, Dinwiddie, D D 

Rev Nathan L. Rice, D D St Louis, Mo. 

1845. 

James Allison, m Sewicbleyville, Pa. 

A. S. Baldwin, p M'Sherrysville, Pa. 

James W. Bell, p 

Robert Burgess, in Poland, Ohio. 

J. Walton Cameron, p 

James C. Campbell, in Paris, Pa. 

William Doyle, Steubenville, Ohio. 

John W. Duncan, Iron Manufacturer, 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Samuel J, Mills Eaton, m Franklin, Pa. 
James C. Fleming, p Monongahela City. 
James W. Fry. 
J. W. Henderson, p 
John H. Jackson, p Ky. 
Thomas P. Johnston, m Clark P. 0. Pa. 
William F. Kean, m Freeport, Pa. 
Milton S. Latham, I Mem. Cong, and Col. 

Customs. San Francisco, Cal. 
John Letberman, p Surg. U. S. Army. 

Fort Deviue, New Mex. 
0. Ritchie Lethermau, Farmer, Palmyra, 

Missouri. 
Darius D. M'Cluer, I Mi. 
D. S. M'Henry. m Commerce, Mich, 
tohn D. M'Nay, m 
R. B. Minton. 

R. S. Morton, m nookstown, Pa. 
Daniel Motzer, m Middlebrook, Md. 
J. A. Murphy, p 

Joshua T. Owen, I t Chestnut Hill, Pa. 
Louis F. Kaichley, I Marion, Ohio, 
Samuel P. Ross,l Pittsburgh, Pa. 
John Shane, I Steubenville, Ohio. 
Samuel A. Speer, Finlcy, Obio. 
James P. Sterrett, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 
S Calhoun Stewart, Merchaut, St. Louis. 
John Stuart, in Montgomery, Ohio. 
John R. Sturgeon, m NobleUown, Ps. 
P Stryker Talmage, m Bloom field, N. J. 
Josiah Thompson, m Cherry ValUy, Pa. 
James Thompson, in N. Y.City. 
A. R.Vance, Engineer, Ripley, Ohio, 
August' s A. Watson, p 
Jacob Winters, in Brow neburg, Va. 40 



Prof S C. Gray, A B 

Hon James Loss Snowden, A M Phila^ 

delphia, Pa. 
David Strother, Esq A M Martinsburg Va. 
Dr J. E Snodgrass, A M 
Rev James H. Thorn well, D D S. Car. 
Rev James Bodgers, D D Allegheny City. 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



17 



Rev. Ezra Keller, D D Ohio. 
Rev. James Carlisle, D I) London. 
Rev. Robert Ferguson, LL D London, 
*Hon. Henry Clay, LL D Ky. 
*Rev. Matthew Brown, LL D 

1846. 

*James B. Allison. 

Samuel Brown, m 0. 

Wm. L. Baird, I Prof We3tm. Coll. Mo. 

•Vincent Cockius, in 

George W. Elder, I Lewistown, Pa. 

Thomas R. Gilmore, Cadiz, Ohio. 

Taylor L. Graham, p 

John Haft, Druggist, Pittsburgh, Ta, 

•James Kelso, m 

J. Milton Kirkpatrick, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Robert P Lake, Druggist, Baltimore, Md. 

J. Irwin Marks,;) 

♦William Martin, Farmer. 

James Martin. Bank Teller, Albany, N Y 

*.T. A. M'Curley. 

William O. M'iilhaney, mHoboken, N. J. 

Thomas V. Milligan. t Prin of Academy, 
New Ilagorstown, Ohio. 

James II. Orbison, m Missionary to Am- 
bala, N. I. 

Michael Parkinson, m Island Creek, Ohio 

Ileury M. Pettibone, Planter, Wood- 
vino, Mi. 

Joseph S. Pomroy, mFairview, La. 

James Ross Ramsey, to Miss- Creek Ind. 
Micco, Ark, 

•James B. P. Robinson, I 

James L. E.ogers, m Prin. Female Inst. 
Florence, Ala. 

Alexander Scott, to Savannah. Ohio. 

Isaac N. Shannon. ?/t Mt, Vernon, 0. 

Alexander E. Sharpe,p Newville, Pa. 

A. Brady Sharpe, I Ohambersburg, P». 

Hugh Sturgeon, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

•Elijah Van Buskirk, to 

John W. Walker, m West Fairfield, Pa. 

•Isaac A. Walker, t Farmer, Sbirland, Ta. 

Wm. H. West, I Prof Haiup, Sid. College. 
Bellefontaine, Ohio. 

*J. II West. 

Trederick N. Whaley, to Clarksburg, Va. 

O. H. Williams, m 

George W. Zalmizer, m Conneautville, Pa. 

37 



W. S. Sterrett, A M Antrim, Ohio. 

Enoch Lanning. A B N. J. 

Rev Robert Steel, D D 

Rev Samuel Steel, DD Ilillsboro, Ohio. 

Rev Charles 0. Jones, D D South Car. 

Rov John Stockton, D D Cross Creek 
Village. 

•Hon Kensoy Johns LL D Del. 

Hon John J. Crittenden, LL D Frank- 
fort, Ky. 

1847. 

John Adams, I Mt Vernon, Ohio 
George D. Archibald, m Cincinnati, Ohio. 



Thomas n. Beveridge, m Philadelphia. 

Amos S Billingsly, to Wirtemburg, Pa. 

James Braden p 

George B. Brandon, I Mi. 

W. Biays Brown m Prof Transyl. Univ 
Lexington, Ky. 

Dwight Brown, Farmer, Lexington, Ky. 

Leander Browning, I Va. 

George Cairns, m Slate Lick, Pa. 

.Johu Campbell./) 

*Hugh M. Campbell, I 

David W. Carson, m Service, Pa. 

* Lewis Castleman, Farmer, Ky. 

S. Newell Cochran, t Canonsburg, Pa. 

James S. Coulter. 

John L. Craig, m Princeton, Ind. 

George A. Crawford, p Editor, Lock Ha- 
ven, Pa. 

E. Van Ness Dean,/ Wooster, Ohio. 

J. G. Dickson, p Canousburg.'T'a. 

Blauton H. Duncan, I Louisville, Ky 

Henry Clay Punlap. Far. Lexington, Ky. 

J. Todd Edgar, t Prin Female Sem. Shel- 
byville, Tenn. 

•James L Finley. 

William C. Gil son,;) 

Albert G. Graham, I Jocesboro, Tenn. 

Laverty Grier, m 

John Hamilton, Ea<t Springfield, Ohio. 

Isaac. N. Hays, m Shippensburg, Pa. 

Henry II. Hornsby, Farmer, Ky. 

James Huston, t 

John R. Irwin, 

Kobert D. Lilley, 7 Ilillsboro, Ohio. 

A. B. Maxwell, m Alliance, Ohio, 

James II. M'Bride, t Philadelphia. 

John M'Intosh, 0. 

David M'Kee, to Philadelphia, Pa. 

John M'Nutt, Farmer, Dunacn'e Falls, 0. 

Jacob Myers, Editor. 

Henry M Painter, to Brownsville, M*. 

Luther M. Reynolds, I Dover, Del. 

J Bingham Ripley m Philadelpha. 

James Levin Rogers, m Springfield^, Qhio. 

*William Sample, St Th 

*Mead Satterfield, to 

•Hamilton Scott, m O. 

Leonidai W S -xton, 1 Rushville, Ind. 

•James II. Shaiffer, St Th 

Samuel Simmons. I St. Louis, Mo. 

J. R. W Sloan,™ New York City. 

W. Graydon Smith, Engineer. Carroll- 
ville, Md. 

Edmund Snair, Jeweler, Huntingdon, Pa. 

Robert Sutton, I Clarion, Pa. 

William G. Taylor, to Tarentum.Pa. 

Andrew C. Todd, m St Louis, Mo. 

Alexander G Wallace, Irwin Station, Pa. 

Thomas Ward, m 0. 

William H. Wilson, to Washington, Iowa. 

William W.Wilson, Laud Agent, Council 
Bluffs, Iowa. 

Thomas S. Woods, I New Lisbon, Ohio. 

"^ev. Stephen Yerkis, A M Baltimore, Md. 
*Rev.P. S.Spencer, D D Va. 



18 



LIST OF GRADUATES OP JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



Rev. James Smith, D D Ky. 
Rev. James C. Watson, D D Milton, Pa. 
Rev. Robert J. Breckenridge, LL D Dan- 
ville, Ky. 
Bev. James Dennum, D D Ireland. 

1848. 

Alexander H. Amerino, in Martins' Ferry 

Ohio, 
W. J. Eertolette p Shreeve, Ohio. 
Wiliiim Y. Brown, m Omaha City. 
Wilton W. Brown, to Williamsburg, Ohio 
J. Wood; Brown. 
George W. CL.rke. Z Iowa City. 
Metthew Clarke, to B'airsville, Pa. 
Archibald B. Cook, p Med. College, Ky. — 

Louisville. Ky. 
J. Irwin Cox, Farmer, Shippensburg, Pa. 
John K. Cramer, to Williamsport, Md. 
•Daniel W. Crofts, I 
Piobert Curry, Prin. Female Sera. New 

Brighton, Pa. 
John R. Duncan, to Moundsville, Va. 
James Elliott, Z Steubeaville, Ohio. 
J hn M. Geary, m Plain's Store, La, 
•Ellis B. Gregg, Z 
•John Harbison, Printer. 
*T. Mo*re Hill, to 
Thomas J Jenkins, Farmer, Va. 
•William A. Jenkins, p Va. 
Albert G. Jenkins, I Va. 
G»lvin P. Johnston, 0. 
Joshua F. Lawrence, Louisville, Ky. 
William F. Livingston, Dunean's Falls, 0. 
*John Lyons. St Th 0. 
Walter Lowrie Lyons, Iowa. 
William G. March, to Caufield, Ohio. 
J.ia M'Ewen, Merehant, Philadelphia 
John '2. M'Carty, I Yuba, Cal. 
II. C. M'Farland, to Carrick, Pa, 

5. Newton M'Kinney, Flemington, Pa. 
Jacob H. Miller, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Josiah Milligan, m Princeton, 111. 
John J Patterson, Editor '-Telegraph," 

Harrisburg, Pa. 
J. Wilson Paxton, to Cunnon'Falls, Minn. 
Cyrus L. Pershing, I Johnstown, Pa. 
William A Pugh, # 
William A.Rankin, m Belle Air, Md. 
Joseph G. Reaser, to Inst, in Theol.Sem. 

Danville, Ky. 
James W. Robinson, I Marysville, Ohio. 
A. Denny Rogers, Z Springfield, Ohio. 
William P. Ruthrauff, m Canton, Ohio. 
Soloman A. Sharp, Z Sau Francisco, Cal. 
J. M'Dowell Sharp, Z Chanibersburg, Pa. 
William C. Smith, to Bell's Landing. 
G. W. Strain, to, 

J. (tassel Thompson, to Hickory, Pa 
Andrew Virtue,*»t Monroeville, Pa. 
Sam. Tom. Wilson, to Rock Island, 111. 
Sa^uuel B Wilson, Z Beaver, Pa. 
Joseph H. Wilson, I Beaver, Pa. 
Richard C. Woods. 
Edward E. Young, Z 

6. Ivester Young, Z Probate Judge. Can- 

field, Ohio 5 



Rev. J, B. Spot jwood, D D Del. 
William Rogers, Esq. A M Ohio. 
Hon Samuel Hepburn, LL D, 
•Hon. Thomas M.T. M'Kennan, LL D 
Hon. Samson Mason, LL D Ohio. 

1849. 

Butler P. Anderson, Astroia, Oregon. 
•William It. Anderson. 
George C. Arnold, m Philadelphia. 
John M. Barnett, m Superior, Wis. 
Samuel B.Barton, t Prof Cent. Coll. Ky. 

Louisville, Ky. 
•Augustus Burt, Z 
Joseph H. Calvin, TO Boligee, Ma. 
William Porter Carson, m Marengo, 111. 
James G. Carson, to Clsysville, Pa. 
Fames Linn Cochran, p Sterling, 111. 
•Samuel II. Dickie, p 
Janr.'s M. Edmunds, Ab;©;on, N. J. 
John Elliott, to Alexandria, Pa. 
N. Fletcher, Z Editor, Massilon Ohio. 
George Frazer, Nicholasville. Ky. 
James Mason Grier, Z Philadelphia. 
John P. Gilchrist, Z Wheeling, Va. 
•John T. Gibson, I 111. 
William R. Hamilton,/) 
Joseph A. Hanna, to Oregon Ter. 
•Adam Harris, to 

Oristopher Ingle, Z Washington City, 
John Q. A. Jones, t Priu of Academy* 

Elkton, Md. 
I. N. Keller, I Wheeling, Va, 
John Boal Laird,/; 
W. D. Leiper, t Tenn, 
*J. A. Leiper, m 
Alonxo LiEn, m Prof Lafey. OoJJage, 

Easton, Pa. 
James W. Logan, I Editor, Moscatiae. la, 
John H. Mathers, Z Richland Centre, Wis 
David M'Kinney, Merchant, Peoria, 111'. 
William M'Culloch, til Fairview. 
John B. M'Nay, to Muncie, Ind. 
Charles A. Munn, Ml 
•Joseph Murray. 

C. H. Perkins, m Milford Centre, Ohio. 
H. C. Piatt, Z Tipton. Iowa. 
Benjamin F. Ray. Merchant, Galena, HI. 
A. M. Reid, t jg ^teabenville Female Sem. 

Steunenvnle, Ohio. 
S. C. Reid, to 

.1. W. Robinson, p Gettysburg, Pa. 
Robert F. Sample, m Bedford, Pa. 
G. M. Sloan, i 
•Hiram M. Smith, St Th 

D. F. Smith, m 

J. M. Snodgrass, m Leipsic, Ohio 
•Hugh Swan, St Th 

William R. Vincent to Dhiontown. Ohio. 
William G. Walker, t Prin Female Sum. 

Owensboro, Ky. 
Thomas B. Wilssu, to Xeuia, Ohio. 
T. Scott Witberow, m 
John A. Wolf, p 
Jam«s F. Woodrow, t Prof. Oglethorpe 

Univ. Milliageville, Ga. 
William G. Woods, p Ky. 



LIST OF GRADUATF.S OF JF.FFERSON COLLEGE. 



Rev. Huey Newell, A B 'Fort Madison Ta. 
Re7. Nathaniel G. North, A M Charles- 
town, Ya. 
Rev. W. S. EmOTy, A M 
Rev. J. Locbren, A SI Waynesburg, Pa. 
John Swan, Esq. A M Cumberland, Md. 
S B. Hempstead, A M Hanging Rock, 0. 
J. Naff M'Guffiu, Esq. A M New Castle l'a 
Doctor M'Gugen, A M Mt. "Vernon, Ohio. 
Dr. J. II. M. Peebles, A M New Castle, Pa 
.T. J. Aiken, A M Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Rev. William D. Howard, A M Pittsburgh. 
Richard Coulter, Esq. A M GreensburgPa. 
Rev. J. W. Dickie, A M Mansfield, Ohio. 
Rev. George A. Lyon, D D Erie. Pa. 
Rev. J. P. Pres.-dy, D D Due West, S. Car. 
Hon. Thomas Bradford, LL D 
lion. Thaddeus Stevens, LL D Lnncaster. 

1S50. 

N. W. Rankston, Z ninds Co. Mi. 

* Thomas M Barber. I 

John 0. Barr, m Princeton, 111. 

*.Tosiah D. Brown, I 

John Allen Brown, to Ligonier, Pa. 

John C. Calohan, R. R. Contractor, Can- 
onsburg, Pa. 

Williom Campbell, m 

Samuel L. Campbell, t TJniontown, Pa. 

John W. Cball'ant, Merchant, Pittsburgh. 

William H. Covert. 

Robert N. Dick, m 

Caleb W. Fintey, to London Ohio. 

J. M. Gallagher, I Editor, Pittsburgh. Pa 

David H. Goodwillie, mSupt. Pub. Schools 
Stamford, C. W. 

'Marries M. Gorsuch, to 

Alexander C. Graff, Iron Manufacturer. 
Milroy, Pa. 

William F. Green, ZLewisburg, N. C. 

Thomas F. Griffin, I Galveston. Texas. 

David Hall, m Brady's Bend, Pa. 

William Hartley, Farmer 

Archibald D. Hawkins. I N. C. 

John Smith H^iys, m Charlestown. Ind. 

George Hayward, Farmer, Snow Hill, Md. 

Benjamin F. Hill, p Candor, Pa. 

J. F. Hutchison, to Kenton, Ohio. 

Samnel R. Latta. 

*Joseph M Lippincott, m 

John S. hovc,p Pine Swamp, P. 0. Pa. 

Isaac M'Bride. p Philadelphia, Pa. 

David L. Machesney, p 

Robert M^Uullough, Jit Chinese Camp, Cat. 

Samuel N. M'Cuilough. 

William M'Kay, m 

Robert M'Millaa, m Canonsburg, Pa. 

Joseph H.Mathers, m Richland Cent. Wis, 

David Minnis,p Beaver, Pa. 

T. E. Morgan, I Keokuck, Iowa. 

William Okeson. I Debuque, Iowa. 

Franklin Orr, to Kent. Pa. 

W. W. Patrick, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 

*Levi Penny. 

Israel C Pershing, m Steuben ville. Ohio. 

John R. Purnell, .1 Snow Hill, Ml. 



M. Stanley Quay, I Beaver, Pa, 
George Sherman Rice, m 
David J. Rogers, R. B. Contractor, Mans- 
field, Pa. 
William P. Saunders, to 
John P. Scott, to Millersburg, 0. 
A O.Scott. 

Henry Martyn Smitb, Engineer, Toledo,© 
John Spence, I Bastrop, Texas. _ 
Thomas B. Stewart, Farmer, Ohio Co. Ya. 
George II. Stone, I Springfield, 111. 
W. H. Sturgeon, p 
D. M. Taliaferro, p Ky, 
Robert F. Wilson, m M'Keesport, Pa. 56 



Peter Hayden, A B, A M Pittsburgh, Pa. 
W. W. Stewart, A 15 Huntingdon Co. Pa. 
S. S. Lyon, A B Huntingdon Co. Pa. 
James Orr, A B 

Samnel Long, A B Pittsburgh, Pa. 
William P. Ilarvison, A R, A M Amity Pa. 
William Dickev, Esq, A M Elkton, Ky. 
Rev. James Clark, D D Pres't Wash. Coll. 

Lewisburg. Pa. 
Rev. Charles W. Nassau, D D Lawrence- 

ville, N.J. 
*Rev. Daniel M'Kinley, D D 
Hon. Thomas II. Baird, LL D Monongalie- 

la Citv. 
Hon. James Allison, LL D Beaver, Pa. 

1S51. 

James W. Anderson, to 

C. B. Betts, to 

*Crosby M Boies. 

Cyrus G. Braddoek, to nerriottsville, Ps._ 

Aaron S. Brandon, Planter, Ft. Adams. Mi. 

lien.jamin S. Bristow, Ky. 

James Caldwell, to Libertyville. Iowa. 

John A. Campbell, m St. Mary's, Oliio. 

Archibald Cook, I Mercer, Pa, 

Jonathan It. Coulter, m Coultersville. 

Henry B. Cozzens, Vicksburar, Mi. 

William F. Culbertson, to Danville, Ky. 

Samuel Duncan, I Dubuque, Iowa. 

John F. Fife, I Land Agent, Mt. Pleas- 
ant, Tcnn. 

James W. Hanirn, to Canal Fulton 0. 

Andrew D. Hepburn, st Th Princeton, 
New Jersey. 

Andrew.!. Johnston, Druggist, Balti- 
more, Md. 

Sinclair Johnson, Teacher, 0. 

John Jordon, Farmer. 

William D. Kearns, p Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Robert P.Kennedy, Engineer, Canonsburg. 

Alexander Kennedy, Hagerstown, Md. 

Samuel M. L. Keir, to Xenia, Ohio. 

Thomas M'Cague, to Miss, to Cairo, Egypt, 

R. B. M'Cann,"j 0. 

John L. M'Cartncy, SI Th Prof Musk Coll. 
Allegheny City. 

Williom G. M'Creary, t New Brighton, Pe. 

William C. M'Cune, to Cincinnati, Ohio. 

John M. M'filroy, to Ottumwa, Iowa 

William E. M'Lnren, Editor, Pittsburgh. 



20 



LIST OF GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



P. O. M'Xeil, to Pittsburgh, Tnd. 

Henry S. Martin, I Prin. Un. Sch, Can- 
ton. Ohio. 

P. M. Mathcny.p 

Flmon B. Mercer, Prin. Dunlaps Cr. Acad. 
Merritstown, P.2. 

V. M. Michie, Mi. 

William F. Morgan, m Rural Valley, Pa. 

Richard II. Morrow, m Cedar Rapids, la. 

George R. Newell, m 

James H. Potter, m 

AV. Hamilton Pyle. p Henderson, Texas. 

Ji. B. W. Shryock, to Ciittenden, Ky. 

.1. Irwin Smith, m Ontonagon, Mich. 

.T. Henderson Smith, 

Henry Martyn Smith, m New Orleans. 

R. C. G. Sproul, I Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Samuel M Swan.p Waverly Station. Til. 

Thomas B. A'aneman. to Canonshurg, Pa. 

A. M'Lean White, p Ilartstown, Pa. 

Jonathon Wilson, m. Spencer Acad. Choc- 
taw Nation, 

William Swan Wilson, to Warsaw, Tnd. 

James L. Wilson, to Cascade, Iowa. 52 



George W. Marquis, Esq. A 51 Tusengee. 
Matthew I. Stewart. Esq. AM Pittsburgh 
Benjamin Bush Bradford, Esq. A M New 

Brighton. Pa. 
T>r Jno^B. Stilley, A M Upper St.Cliir Pa- 
Rev. William Grim"s, A M 
Rev. William Richards, n D Reading Pa 
Rev. Thos. Woodrow, D D Worthiogton, 0. 
Rev. Charles Forbes Buchan, D D Scot. 
Rev. John Ckrk, D D Scotland. 
Rev. A. P. Goudy, D D Irels nd. 
Rev. James Steel, D P Ireland. 

18o2. 

William J. Alexander, to Perry, Pa. 
Jnhostnn Armstrong. p Alliance, Ohio. 
David Bacon, I Niles, Michigan. 
A.B. Beamer, m Va. 
R. K. Campbell, m 20 mile Stand, 0. 
William M. Christy / Kittanning, Pa. 
John H. 01a-k, St Th Allegheny, Pa 
Silas M. Clark, I Indiana, Pa. 
Jo-ieph L. Cook, St Law Greenshnrgh, Pa. 
William Cunniagliam, St Th Princeton. 
New Jersey. 

John B. Davidson, t Lsngley, Va. 

E. L. Dodder, m Fort Dodge, Iowa. 

James A. Duff, m Darlington, Pa. 

William J Bdie, Lewistown. HI. 

William H. French, Brush liun, Washing 
ton Co Pa. 

Chas. K. Geddes, St Law Kittanning, Pa. 

J. C. Grier, m Mechanicsburg, Pa. 

George Hammond, Clerk, Baltimore, Md 

Thomas J. Himes. Druggist, Ruck Island, 
Illinois. 

Albert 0. J >hnsoa, to Bliss, at Futtegurh. 
India. 

Jacob W. Lani:is. m Waveland, Ind 

James L Maiehall, Merchant, Pittsburgh 

*Ja'nes Mather3, 1. 



nenry M'Cormick.p Clinton, Iowa. 

*W. W. Mil'er.yj. 

Thos. F.Otwell.p PIanter,Oebrgetown, Ky. 

Robert W. I'layford./J Hrownsville. 

Matthew B. Riddle, St Th t Canonshurg. 

James F. Robinson, I Ooluuibin, Ark. 

Alexander Scott, t. 

Joseph Shaw. 

A B. Simmons, I Texas. 

*J. Rowland Stewart, t. 

Francis L. Stewart, Prof. Missouri. 

Lewis M. Stewart. I. 

D. W. Templeton, I 

John W. Van Lear, Somerset. 

B. C Ward t. 

Kugene M Wilson, 1 Wycona. Minn. 

John E. Woods m Bentonspuit la. 

John N. Young, m 41 



Rev. Matthew H. Wilion, A M Kent, Pa. 
J. Booth, Esq. A M Bucyrus, Ohio. 
W. P. Pearson, Esq. A M. 
Rev. Melancthon W. Jacobus, D D Alle- 
gheny City, Pa. 
Bev John Ekiu, D D Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Rev. John Marsh, D D N. Y. 
Rev. Septimus Tuston, D D D. C. 
Rev. James Johnston, D D Ohio. 
Dr. R. Dunglison, LL D Philad. lphia. 
Rev David DRvidson, LL D Seoiimd. 

1853. 

J A. Amis, p N Car. 

Charles berry man. 

Samuel Boon, t Owenstown, Ky. 

Henry M. Bracken, Pleasant Hill. Mo. 

I. R. Burgett. m Allegheny City. 

John D. Caldwell, in. 

Rush Clark, t Iowa City, Iowa. 

William B Craig, m Shippensburgh, Pa. 

John B, Dunn, to Andes N.Y. 

James S. Eckles, ft Law t Albany, N Y. 

Thimis Ewin?, ZPrin. Natchez institute, 
tion, Natchez, Mi. 

John G Frow.p. 

Kbenezer Haft, Surveyor, N. Albany Ore- 
gon. 

Alfred W Hr.ines. m 

I Newton Illmes,/>. 

William E. Hunt, m Coshocton. Oh-'o. 

Augustus S. Landis, St Law H Jlidavs- 
burg. Pa. 

William H. Lotbcrmin. p Surg. U. S. Na- 
vy. Baltimore. Md. 

William L. M'Gnnnell.m Canonshurg, Pa. 

George W. M'Murran. Shepherd rtown, Va. 

George W. Mechlin, m Prin. G'.ade Bun 
Academy, l'ayton, Pa. 

William Mitchell. Assist. Prin. Academy, 
Morgmtown, \a. 

Samuel Patterson, m Urichsville. Ohio. 

Alfred Pearson. I Harrisburgh, Pa. 

D. H. Scott, p Ohilicothe, Ohij. 

Julius A. Smith, t Charlestown, 111. 

Junes II. St jkos. t. 

James C. Stmg on, I Frio. High School, 
La'ayetto, Ala. 



LIST OP GRADUATES OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE. 



21 



John W Puther'and, t Prin. F.m. Sein. 

Jefferson City. Mo. 
FaanrisTaliiaferro p Ky. 
John C. Thorn, « 'lh Natchez, Mi. 
Albert E Thompson, m 
Isaac Vannuter, Farmer. Piketon, Ohio. 
William Wight, St Th Delhi, N. Y. 
David M. Wilson, Merchant, Baltimore, 

Md. 
Mar'in Luther Wortman, m West New- 
'ton, Pa 36 

Alexander Taylor. Esq A B Indiana, Pa. 
Dr.Jo'epli Connelly, a B TriadeiphiB, Ya 
Dr. John V. Utrriutt, A M Philadelphia. 

Pa. 
Hon. John W. Howe, A M Franklin. 
P. L. Grim, Ksq, A M B«aver. Pa, 
Kev. David Kirkputrick, D D Poke Kud, 

Pa. 

1854. 
John M'Leary Adair, St Th Xenia, Ohio. 
Thomas Alexander, ARpgheny City, Pa. 
X Baraett. St Law AHhlaDd, Ohio. 
Joseph L. BUuer, Merchant, Harrisburg, 

Pi. 
J. C. Boyd. Bt Th Allegheny City. 
Gerard C Crnmlon. p Natchez, Mi. 
David S. Brandon. Merchant, Natchez, Mi 
William A. Burcliiield. St Th Allegheny C. 
Joseph H. Campbell, t. 
Robert Carothers, m Turtle Creek, Pa. 
William Chirk, Prince George, Md. 
David A Cunningham, m Allegheny City. 
T. R. Elder, m Superior. Wis. 
James J Frazer, St Th Xenia, Ohio. 
W. Nevin Geddes, t. 
N. Uallock Gillett, Prin. Acad. Owengs- 

ville. Ky. 
Walter L Graham. I Butler, Pa. 
R; St. Clair Graham, St Law Greensburg. 
Addison llt-nry, St Th Allegheny City. 
W. B. Harriott, St Law Pittsburgh. 
Campbell T. Jamieson. Clerk. N. Orleans. 
William A. Jeffery, Waynesburg. Pa. 
William Johnson, t Hookstown, Pa. 
John p. K>nneiy. m Allegheny City. 
T. Ruston Kennedy. ZMeadville. 
•Thomas Kerr. St Th 0. 
John T Kyle, I. 
David Lenox, t. 

D. R Logan, I'rin Enon Academy, Pa. 
A. Lowman, StTh Allegheny City. 
John S. M'Culloch, StTh Allegheny City. 
Matthew M'Featers, St Th Dar. villa, Ky. 
W. Morrow MT3>e. t Urbana, Ohio. 
William L. Mitchell, Greenfield, Mo. 
Alexander M Moore, Tean. 
Benjamin V. Myers. 
J. B Negley, Surveyor. Butler. Pa- 
J C. Nevin. Si Th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Beuson J Orsborn. I Texas. 
Henry W. Patterson, St Law Uniontown, 

Pa. 
R. H. Peterson, t. 
John A. Tiukurton, m Allegheny City, Pa. 



William II. Playfoid, St Law Brownsville, 

John W. Polk, Nicaragua. 

William II. Pretlow, Va 

'l'homas E. Boberts St Th Andover, Mass. 

George Shotwell lioudebusb, St Th. 

Waller B. Smith, Merch't, Pittsburgh, Pa, 

Jamas C. Suodgrass, it Law Greensburgh, 

Pa. 
John M Stevenson, t. 
Calvin W. Stewart. St Th Princeton, N. J. 
A. A. Stewart, St Law Greensburgh. Pa. 
Edward P. Swift. St Th Allegheny, Cily. 
John M. Vanineter, I Portsmouth. 0. 
J. D. Walkinshaw. St Th Saltsburg, Pa. 
John U Voung, St Th Pittsburgh, Pa. 

56 



E. J. Pershing, Esq. A M Rock Island, 111. 
*EdWs>rd P. Hunter, Esq. A M Va. 
B. M. Kerr, E^q. Mansfield, Pa. 
P. A. Cr«gar, Ksq.. A M Philadelphia. 
Key. II. H. Cunningham, UDN Car. 
Rev. A. D. Clark, D D As. Kef. Th. Semi- 
nary, Allegheny City. 
Rev John II. Brown, D D Lexington, Ky. 
Rev A. U'Farlane, DD S otland. 
Kev D.D. Heather, DD Ireland 
Dr Thomas D. Mutter, LL D Philadelphia. 

1S55. 

Abraham Anderson, St Th Xenia. Ohio. 
T. Coulter Anderson, St Th Allegheny 

City, Pa. 
Win Wilson Barr, St Th Xenis, Ohio. 
D. Henry Barron, St Th Allegheny Cily. 
John H. Bast, t Reading, Pa. 
J. A. Carrothers, Farmer, Iowa. 
John S. Chapman. St L Lebanon, Teun. 
Ira M. Condit St Th Allegheny City. 
James S. Elder, m Clarisburgh, Pa 
Thomas B. Elder, Farmer Eldersridge, Pa. 
James A. Ewing, St Th Allegheny City. 
Chirles S. Forcsinan, St Law. 
Jainos T. Fredericks, St Th Allegheny 

City, Pa. 
Geo. Graham, St Th Allegheny Citv, Pa. 
Jos»e W. Hamilton St Th Allegheny City, 

Pa 
Daniel W. Ilaona, Paper Manufacturer, 

Steubenville, Ohio, 
S. M. Hickman, m Teaching. 
Alpheus H. Holloway, St Th Danville Ky 
William Iluichinsnn. Teaching, Natchez, 
John C, Irwin, St Th All«gheny City, Pa. 
Richard II. Jackson, Prin Oakwood Acad. 

Hamilton. Hancock, Co 111. 
B Oiiver Junkin, St Th. Allegheny City. 
William B Keeling, St Th Allegheny City 
J. Moffit Kennedy, Teaching, Chester 

County, Pa. 
Andrew W.Kerr, Teaching; Clarksvillc, 

Minn. 
Adam Kimple, St Laic Franklin Centre, la 
David Nelson Laiuley, SI Med St Francis- 

ville, Mo, 



22 



LIST OF GRADUATES OK JEFFERSON C0LLE6E. 



Sauiuel P. Large, St Med Elizabeth, I'a. 

John Y. M'Cartney, Si Th Allegheny City 

William M'Gregor, St Law Lake Provi- 
dence. La. 

John M'Kiuley, St Latv 

A. Smith M'Kinney. Merchant. Peoria, 111 

James 51 51 aster, St Med Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Robert R. Moore, .St Th Allegheny City. 

William P. Moore. St Th New Deny, I'a. 

S. T. Murray, St Ljw 

John Purvianee, St Law 

R. G Ralston, Teaching, 

Samuel M. Sharp, St Th Steubenville, 0. 

John A. E. Simpson, St Th Noblestown Fa 

J. E. Thomas, Prin. Aca. Pine Grove Mills, 

Daniel W. Townsend, St Tk Allegheny 
City, Pa. 

Allan Wall, St Med Indianapolis, Ind. 

Samuel Watson St Th Allegheny City, Pa 

Samuel AVead, St Law Dayton, Ohio, 

Isaac N. White, St Th Xenia, Ohio. 

Philip VVilliard, St Th Lancaster, Pa. 

John S. Woods, Engineer. 



*Rer. Patrick F. Jones, A M 
Rev. William H. Andrews, A 51 Ohio; 
Rev. James Chrystie, D D, N. Y. 
Rev. William M. Iletherington, D D Scot- 
land. 

1856. 

William E. Allison, llaucock Co. Va.' 
Thomas Andrews, St Tk Allegheny City. 
David W. Rallanuno, St XawTemperance- 

ville, Pa. 
.Tames A. Beaver. St Law Rellefonte, Pa. 
William J. Burchinal, St Th 
Thomas C. Campbell, St Th Allegheny 

City, Pa. 
David T. Campbell, st Th Princeton, N. J. 
Milton Campbell, Teaching, Springfield 

X Koads 
G. Wilson Chalfant, Monongahela City. 
John F. Craig, st law, Clarion, Ta. 
•I. 51. Cummins, stmed Ligonier, Pa. 
John D. Elder, Teaching. 
Sam'l G. Ewiug. Farming, Irwin's Sta. Pa. 
J. E.Garretson, Teaching. 
James C. Gillam, st th Allegheny City, Fa. 
J. 8. Gilmorc, St Tk Princeton, N. J. 



Wm C.Gordon, Teaching. Flack Li<-k, Pa. 
David D. Green, st Th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Francis B. Guthrie, Water Proof, La 
William W. Hays, Victoria, Texas. 
John P Houston, Texas. 
J. Dagg Hovvey, st th Allegheny City, Pa, 
Wm. G. Keady, Teaching, JonesburoTenn. 
Geo. Hays Kennedy, Teaching, Chicago, 
Orr Lawson, st th Lawsonville, Clarion 

Co. Pa. 
A. Brown Lewis, Jfatcl ez, Mi. 
Joseph L. Lower, st th Princiton, N.J. 
William M. 5I'Curdv, Wai-huuton, Ohio. 
Charles W. 5PDaniel. Clerk, Philadelphia. 
Jno. K. 51'Ilheny, stlaiu llunterstown, Pa. 
Jamefi Y.5FKee. VTashington, Ohio. 
S. Davidson Jl'I'herson, st th Shippeua- 

burg, Pa. 
W. Stanhope Marshall, Natchez, Mi. 
Jas H. 5Iatthews, Maysville, Ky. 
James E. 5Iorrow, Clover Port, Ky. 
Nicholas "V. 51orrow, st th Allegheny City. 
Andrew J. Murry, t Murrysville, Pa. 
Wilson Paxton, Teaching, Owensboro, Ky. 
H. R. Peairs, st th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Joseph L. Polk, Teaching. 
James A. Reed.st th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Thomas F. J. Rider, t Princess Anne, Md. 
Samuel A. Riggs; st law Pittsburgh, Pa. 
George Scott, st th Allegheny City, Pa. 
C. S. Scroggs, Marshall, Texas. 
Joseph D Jniitn, st th Princeton, N. J. 
John M. Smith, st th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Tom Stockdale, st law Greene Co. Pa. 
Samuel B. Taggart, st th Allegheny City. 
Robert S. Townsend, Teaching. 
M. 51. Travis, st th Allegheny City, Pa. 
Theophilus W T eaver, Teaching, Bowa- 

burg, Pa. 
A. G. Wilson. Teaching, Beaver, Pa. 
51iles C. Wilson, st th Lafayette, Ala. 
J. Charles Young, st law Pittsburgh, Pn. 
John Bishop Young, ft law Chicago, 111. 56 



Rev. Charles W. Baird, A 51 Yonkers.N Y. 
Rev. A. W. Cousc, A 51 Rockville, Ind. 
W. Whitton Redick, Esq. A 51 Allegheny 

City, Pa. 
Rev. Reese Uappersett, D D Philadeljhia. 
Hon. Thomas H. Burrows, LL D Lancas 

ter, Fa. 



|lnsntt $oarb ^ %xuttt%. 



Rev. William Jeffery, D. D. 
J. M'Cl'LLOUGH, Esq. Secretary, 
John Reed, Esq. 
Benjamin Williams, Esq. 
Rev. Wm. M. M'Elwee, D. D. 
Hon. James Gordon, 
Daliel Houston, Esq. 
John Hays, Esq. 
Rev. George Marshall, D. D 
William Park, Esq. 
Rev. John T. Pressly, D. D. 
William M'Daniel, Esq. 
Rev. James Sloan, D. D. 
Hon. William Marks, 
Thomas Nicholson. Esq. 
Rev. A T. M'Gill, D. D. 
Rev. William M. Paxton, 
William S. Caloiian, Esq. 

J. K. Mt/ORHEAD, Esq. 

James P. Sterrett, Esq. 
Rev. James Alexander, 

JOHN BLACK, ESQ. 



President, Herriottsville, Pa. 

Canonsburg, Pa. 

Washington Co. Pn. 

Washington Co. Pa. 

Frankfort, Pa. 

Monongahela City, Pa. 

Washington Co. Pa. 

Washington Co. Pa. 

Allegheny Co. Pa 

Washington Co. Pa. 

Allegheny City, Pa. 

Canonsburg, Pa. 

Washington Co. Pa. 

Allegheny Co. Pa. 

Frankfort, Pa. 

Princeton, N. J. 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Canonsburg, Pa. 

Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Pittsburgh. Pa. 

Martins' Ferry, O. 
Canonsburg. Pa, Treasurer. 



WAV 



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